Next month a team of Chelsea legends will take on an Inter Forever team also made up of past players. The game was originally a celebration of the two successful 1998 teams, featuring the likes of Gianfranco Zola, Gianluca Vialli, Javier Zanetti, and Youri Djorkaeff.
However, following the sad death of Ray Wilkins, the game will now be dedicated to his memory.
At the request of his family, the charitable proceeds from the Chelsea Foundation, will be going to Crohn’s and Colitis UK. Ray’s son Ross took to Twitter.
Thanks to @ChelseaFC for agreeing to do this game in dad's memory. It will be a lovely tribute to him! As well as raising money for some great charities.
#RayWilkins #FootballFamily
https://t.co/vmzD9yoh95— Ross Wilkins (@RossSkillsWilks) April 18, 2018
Chelsea’s chairman Bruce Buck spoke of what Ray had achieved in his time at Stamford Bridge.
‘Ray Wilkins had blue blood in his veins and was known and loved by many generations of Chelsea fans having started so young as a player, and indeed as our captain, and then returned on more than one occasion to be an assistant manager when he helped win several important trophies,’
‘Personally, I will always remember the celebrations with him when we won competitions and his ability to explain the game was cherished by so many of us.
‘Ray is a true Chelsea legend, and therefore our Legends Game in May is the perfect opportunity for the club and our supporters to pay tribute to one of football’s great guys.’
Source: Chelsea FC Website
As well as the four names mentioned above, expect to see the likes of Dennis Wise, Graeme Le Saux, Frank Leboeuf, Tore Andre Flo, Dan Petrescu, Roberto di Matteo and Marcel Desailly for Chelsea. For Milan Francesco Toldo, Olivier Dacourt and Jurgen Klinsmann, Marco Materazzi, Christian Chivu, Maicon, Dejan Stankovic, and Giuseppe Bergomi.
The game will take place on Friday 18th May at Stamford Bridge, kicking off at 19:45. Tickets are priced at £20 for adults, £10 for seniors (65 or over) and juniors (under 20) in all general admission areas of the stadium. They are on sale here.