Raul Meireles Recalls Chelsea's 2012 Champions League Win in New Year Message

Former Chelsea midfielder Raul Meireles has posted a message recalling the Blues' unexpected and dramatic run to UEFA Champions League glory in 2012.

Meireles was part of the Chelsea side that defied the odds to beat Napoli, Benfica and Barcelona en route to a penalty-shootout win over Bayern Munich in the final at the Allianz Arena.

The Fenerbahce midfielder wrote on Twitter:

"

We were far away from any nominations, everyone said that we are not gonna make it; they even made some jokes about us before the semi-final. In general, no one literally expected what happened or supported us except our loyal fans in that time. But we proved to everyone that we are the best in the world back then.

"

Meireles scored six goals in 48 games for Chelsea, with his best moment in a blue shirt coming when he scored a memorable late winner in the quarter-final win over Benfica.

He then missed the final in Munich through suspension as the Blues claimed their first and so far only Champions League title.

[Twitter: @OficialMeireles]