Sneijder ready for ´emotional´ Real return

Galatasaray midfielder Wesley Sneijder is eagerly anticipating the Champions League quarter-final tie against Real Madrid.

The Netherlands international wore the Real jersey from 2007 to 2009 before leaving the club for Inter Milan, and he still has fond memories of his time at the Santiago Bernabeu.

“This is a tough draw, but it’s a great one on an emotional level,” Sneijder told De Telegraaf.

“I was fortunate enough to win the Liga title in my first season with Real Madrid, and I still have warm feelings for Jose Mourinho, with whom I’m still in regular touch.

“Mourinho is very important to me, because I won the Champions League thanks to him.

“Real Madrid are obviously the favourites, but we will try to make life as difficult as possible for them. We might be able to spring a surprise.”

The first leg of the quarter-final between Gala and Real takes place at the Santiago Bernabeu on April 3.