Former Chelsea boss Rafa Benitez has dismissed the suggestion that he was unpopular with the fans at Chelsea six years after leaving the club.

The Spaniard was appointed interim manager at Chelsea back in 2012 when Roberto Di Matteo was sacked and enjoyed a win ratio of 58 per cent, only marginally worse than his successor Jose Mourinho.

However, he was booed by a portion of the Blues support because of his strong association with rivals Liverpool and comments about how Reds fans did not need ‘stupid plastic flags’ and that Chelsea supporters ‘lack passion’, report the Metro.

But in a Q & A session on The Athletic, the 59-year-old insisted that he did not regret his move to Stamford Bridge in the slightest.

‘It was a very easy decision because it was a top club with top players,’ Benitez said.

‘What I have to say is that the board, the players and the staff were always very supportive.

‘I think the majority of the fans appreciated what we did at this time. ‘I was really happy to perform and do what we did.

‘I hope that history will look back and see we did a good, professional job and that we were successful.

‘I still have a great relationship with a lot of people there.’

Benitez ended the season having guided Chelsea to a third-place finish in the Premier League and their highest points total in four years.

He also lifted the Europa League, Chelsea’s second European trophy in as many years, a victory he still holds very dear.

Contrary to speculations that one or two English clubs, especially Chelsea would be grouped in one of the tough groups in the draws for the Champions League group stages, all of them managed to avoid a Group of Death.

There was a case of history repeating itself as Manchester City got drawn with Ukrainian champions Shakhtar Donetsk for the third season in a row. Pep Guardiola’s side will also face Dinamo Zagreb and Champions League debutants Atalanta.

Liverpool will renew a familiar rivalry as were paired with Serie A runners-up Napoli for a second successive season. Red Bull Salzburg and Genk complete Group E for Jurgen Klopp’s side.

Frank Lampard’s Chelsea were handed the best draw from the English sides as they complete Group H with Ajax, Valencia and LOSC Lille.

Photo Credit: Twitter @uefa.tv

Chelsea’s third kit has been leaked online with a black and orange strip set for release on September 4.

The Blues released their Stamford Bridge inspired home jersey in May, with Eden Hazard modelling the launch before his £130million summer move to Real Madrid.

Chelsea then brought out their white away kit which included a subtle dig to their local rivals with the message ‘Pride of London’ printed on the inside at the neck area of the collar, report The Sun.

Now the wait for the third kit to be released looks to be over as Footy Headlines released leaked images of the proposed black and orange jersey.

They claim the new strip is set to be released for September 4.

Serie A club Sassuolo are reportedly in discussions with Chelsea for left-back Kenedy on loan after Rogerio picked up an injury.

According to Sky Sport Italia, the Neroverdi need reinforcements, as it’s not clear how long Rogerio will be out of action for and the transfer deadline in Italy is on September 2.

Chelsea have done business with Sassuolo before, taking Jeremie Boga initially on loan and activating their purchase option, report Football Italia.

Kenedy is a 23-year-old who can play in any role down the left flank, having just returned from an 18-month loan at Newcastle United.

The lively Brazilian had 28 competitive appearances for Newcastle last season, contributing one goal and one assist.

He was purchased from Fluminense for €8m in 2015, but struggled for playing time with Chelsea and had another loan spell with Watford in 2016.

There are reports Chelsea flop Tiemoue Bakayoko has agreed terms to rejoin Monaco on loan, with a view to making the switch permanent for £31.8million at the end of the season.

The Ligue 1 club’s initial move blocked by Chelsea transfer chief Marina Granovskaia, claiming that Monaco isn’t the right place for the Frenchman to showcase his talents.

The Frenchman had one-season stint on loan at AC Milan last season after a disappointing first term at Stamford Bridge.

And RMCsport’s Mohamed Bouhafsi suggested the 25-year-old is expected back at Monaco before the September 2 transfer deadline.

The Guardian report that Bakayoko has bought a one-way ticket to the principality.