Former Chelsea star Ramires has his heart set on a return to the west London side.

The 30-year-old now plies his trade at Jiangsu Suning, having joined the Chinese Super League outfit from the Blues for £25million in January 2016.

But Ramires would like to come back to Stamford Bridge before his playing days are over.

Jiangsu Suning midfielder Ramires, 30, would like to play for Chelsea again before he retires

'Chelsea? I'll always have special affection for them and I want to play for them again,' he said

'Chelsea? I'll always have special affection for them and I want to play for them again before finishing my career,' Ramires told UOL Esporte.

Ramires went on to claim that he would be welcomed back at his former club, adding: 'I know the doors of Stamford Bridge will always be open to me and that wearing their jersey again would be spectacular.'

During five-and-a-half seasons in England, Brazil international Ramires made 159 Premier League appearances and helped Chelsea win the title in 2015.

He also won the FA Cup and Champions League in 2012, the Europa League in 2013 and the League Cup in 2015.

Ramires has 52 Brazil caps to his name and featured in all seven of his country's matches at the 2014 World Cup.

But he is unlikely to be included in the Brazil squad for Russia 2018 as he has not performed on the international stage for nearly four years.

Jiangsu finished 12th in the 16-team CSL last season.