Drogba and Mourinho
Mourinho wants to see Drogba return to Stamford Bridge. (Reuters)

Jose Mourinho has his fingers crossed that Chelsea are paired with Galatasaray in Monday's draw for the Champions League last 16 in order that Didier Drogba might return to Stamford Bridge.

While the former Chelsea striker moved to join the Turkish side after a short stint in China, Blues fans won't forget the instrumental role he played in snatching victory from Bayern Munich in the 2012 Champions League final.

Drogba, who is Chelsea's record goal scorer in Europe with 34 goals in 69 games, gained heroic status after scoring the winning penalty in a tense shoot-out against the German side.

"He deserves a reception here, even better, he deserves it even more than me," said Mourinho, who himself was welcomed back to Stamford Bridge with open arms last summer following time away from the club.

"He deserves to get what I got against Hull City (in his first game back in charge this season). He deserves double to three times that. I know what I felt and I think he deserves that."

A draw against the Turkish giants could however be bittersweet for the Chelsea boss who recognises the threat they pose in spite of Drogba.

"Galatasaray is difficult, very difficult but I would like Didier to be back here and to feel what I felt," said Mourinho who holds the striker in high esteem having significantly contributed to the club's haul of silverware.

Also in the mix for Monday's last 16 draw are possible opponents Zenit St Petersburg and AC Milan, who ensure that either way Chelsea could be in a for a rough ride.

"There are the champions of Russia, a German side in Bayer Leverkusen and the Turkish champions with King Didier," Mourinho said. "But we have to forget the Champions League now.

"Until it starts again in February, March, we have to work to improve the team and get results in the English competitions."

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