'Chelsea were 50 years without a title and us 18' - Duff hails Mourinho gesture to Shels crusade

DAYS GONE BY: Jose Mourinho (L), Chelsea coach and Damien Duff talk to the media during Chelsea's preparation for their UEFA Champions League group G match against Real Betis at the Ruiz de Lopera Stadium in 2005, Pic: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

What transpired to a special landmark was fuelled by the self-proclaimed special one.

Damien Duff isn’t one for name-dropping or delving into past memories but when the chance arose of contacting his former manager at this critical journey he was receptive.