Ranieri was humiliated in his last season as Chelsea boss by the powers that be by becoming a "dead man walking".
The likable Italian knew that season, 2004, would be his last and that even if he managed to win the Champions League side for new owner Roman Abramovich, he would still be on his way - he was replaced by Jose Mourinho.
However he remained dignified throughtout the campaign and left with his head held high.
Now he will get a hero's reception when his club comes to the Bridge during the Champions League knockout stages which take place on February 24/25 and March 10/11.
Welcome back Claudio "Tinkerman" Ranieri.
The full draw is as follows:
Chelsea v Juventus
Villarreal v Panathinaikos
Sporting Lisbon v Bayern Munich
Atletico Madrid v FC Porto
Lyon v Barcelona
Real Madrid v Liverpool
Arsenal v Roma
Inter Milan v Manchester United