The interview was in May 2015, when Chelsea were about to play a friendly game against Sydney FC in his native Australia.Warne, widely regarded as one of the greatest cricket players in the history of the sport, took over 1300 first-class wickets during an illustrious career that spanned two decades. His test-match total of 708 is the second highest by any bowler.But while leg-spin bowling and cricket may have been his first love, Warne told us he had a long-time affiliation with football and, in particular, the very first team he saw in action.‘In 1989 I was playing club cricket down in Bristol and we caught the train to watch the game and I fell in love with Chelsea straight away,’ he recalled back in 2015, shortly after we had been crowned the Premier League champions.

‘It’s not one of those things where I’ve jumped on the bandwagon of late with Chelsea’s success. I’ve been a big supporter since 1989 – 26 years!‘I’ve always liked John Terry, he’s been fantastic. My son loves Drogba, he’s absolutely obsessed with him on his FIFA game and he always says “Dad, come here” and I have to go and watch him play, which is pretty cool.‘Hazard’s been fantastic as well and I love Mourinho, he’s super cool. It’s not often one of your favourites is the manager but he’s probably mine.‘In team sports there are always similarities with the dynamic of the group and you have to get the best out of each individual, and Mourinho does that very well. I think with team sports it’s about big moments and with Chelsea, whenever those big moments come around they seem to deal with them very well. They have a belief that they can win from any position, which I like. I really enjoy watching Chelsea play.‘Any time you win the Premier League it’s amazing because it takes so much hard work and a few things have to fall into place. To win it this year has been amazing and a real credit to all of the support staff.’Warne and his son were two of the 83,598 who attended the game in Sydney’s ANZ Stadium, which Chelsea won 1-0 thanks to a Loic Remy goal.‘My loyalties are with Chelsea, absolutely no doubt whatsoever,’ he added. ‘I’ve supported them since 1989, longer than any football team in Australia. We’ll be wearing the blue and supporting Chelsea.’Chelsea Football Club sends our deepest condolences to Shane's family and friends.