"Chelsea is among the best clubs in the world" - Mourinho

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho said his team returned to their rightful place in Europe after reaching the Champions League quarter-finals.

The Blues beat Galatasaray 2-0 at Stamford Bridge to win the tie 3-1.

But they became the first side to crash out at the group stage last season, having won the title the previous term.

"We are a Champions League club and now we are among the best eight, the best clubs in the world," said Mourinho. "The players deserve to be there."

After dropping out of last season's Champions League, Chelsea went on to win the Europa League and are now on course to win their third consecutive European trophy.

They could be the only English team to remain in the competition after first-half goals from Samuel Eto'o and Gary Cahill helped them cruise past a lacklustre Galatasaray side.

Manchester City and Arsenal have already been knocked out, while Manchester United trail by two goals ahead of Wednesday's last-16 tie against Olympiakos.

Mourinho added: "To come from the Europa League to the quarter-finals of the Champions League is important for the club, important for the players."

Chelsea could face Barcelona, Real Madrid, Pep Guardiola's Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid, while Mourinho has not yet ruled Manchester United out of contention.

Mourinho said: "All the big candidates to win the competition. Welcome to any one of them. We wait for the draw. It doesn't matter who."