'Special game for me' - Fulham's Ola Aina ahead of return to Stamford Bridge

Fulham defender Ola Aina is relishing facing his former club Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday.

The Nigeria international has fond memories of his time at The Blues, where he spent twelve years before joining Torino on a permanent deal in the summer of 2019.

Handed his professional debut by Antonio Conte, Aina played six games in total for the first team, including three in the Premier League during their title-winning season, before departing the club.

The right back enjoyed more success with Chelsea's youth teams, winning the UEFA Youth League twice, the FA Youth Cup on two occasions and U21 Premier League.

Speaking to Fulham's official website before the trip to Stamford Bridge, Aina said : "It’s going to be a tough game, a very tough game. I came through the ranks there so I know a lot of people, a lot of coaches.

"It’s going to be a special game for me, but nevertheless the team’s going there to do a job, and hopefully we can.

"I had great memories at Chelsea because I was there from when I was a kid to a young man, some good memories with the first team as well, being with that Premier League winning squad in 2016/17.

"I get excited for every fixture, but to play against your boyhood club is always one that you relish, and I’m looking forward to it."

Five matches to the end of the 2020-2021 season, Fulham sit seven points from safety and cannot afford to slip up against Chelsea.

Igho Kingsley