Chelsea captain John Terry has urged the club’s supporters to grant a warm welcome to Joe Cole this weekend.
The 29-year-old midfielder ended a seven-year spell with the Premier League champions last summer when he moved to Liverpool on a free transfer.
Cole returns with the Reds on Sunday, and Terry believes the England international should be acknowledged for his achievements during his time at Stamford Bridge.
Terry said: “Joe gave everything for this club and hopefully the fans will recognise that and give him the reception he deserves.
“He is a Chelsea boy, even when he was at West Ham he said he was a Chelsea boy as a kid.
“I was sorry to see him go, others were too. That's why I'm 100% sure he'll get a great reception.”
Cole has struggled to make an impact at Anfield since his move to Merseyside and even found himself playing for the second string in a county cup competition last month.
But Terry is confident his friend will soon find his feet, adding: “He's a great lad and I'm still in contact with him.
“I watched his debut and him getting sent off - he should never have been sent off.
“Then he picked up a knock but he is confident in his own ability and me too.
“I'm sure he will have a huge part to play for Liverpool.”