Tonight's Champions League Final will evoke special memories for former Colchester United defender Danny Granville.

Granville - released by the U's earlier this month after one season at Layer Road - was in Chelsea's starting line-up the last time they graced a European final.

A decade ago, the experienced defender helped a Blues side containing the likes of Gianluca Vialli, Roberto Di Matteo and Gus Poyet beat German outfit Stuttgart 1-0, to lift the European Cup Winners' Cup.

The 33-year-old, who spent 15 months at Stamford Bridge in the early part of his career, played his part in Chelsea's victory in Stockholm.

And he will be watching closely when the west London club take on Manchester United in Moscow tonight.

Granville told the Gazette: "I feel chuffed for Chelsea.

"They have a really good chance and it's great to see them there.

"When Zola came on and put us 1-0 up in Stockholm, I didn't want the game to finish.

"It was an amazing atmosphere and definitely one of the highlights of my career so far."

Granville's stint with Colchester came to an end earlier this month when he left the club after just one season.

The veteran defender arrived from Crystal Palace last summer but struggled to cement a place in the U's starting line-up, starting just 14 Championship matches.

"I was disappointed with the way the season went," admitted the former Manchester City and Leeds United man.

"I knew I would have to play a certain amount of games to get another contract and when I didn't do that, I knew I probably wasn't staying.

"I was playing catch-up last summer and George Elokobi was in very good shape.

"The players had their individual programmes and I didn't really play much in pre-season.

"The injuries have been frustrating but when I was fit, I felt I could get in the side.

"There have been so many things that have happened.

"First there was all of the players leaving at the start and then (assistant manager) Micky Adams went - it's been strange."

Despite experiencing a frustrating time at Layer Road, Granville has no hard feelings about his departure from Layer Road.

He is hoping the club will be able to quickly recover from the disappointment of relegation and be a success in Coca-Cola League One next season.

"Colchester have to lose their losing mentality," added Granville, who is currently on the lookout for a new club after undergoing a successful hernia operation.

"I don't think that there's much difference between the Championship and League One - there are some very good players in that division.

"But there are some good players at Colchester and they should be in with a good shout.

"It's a good club and I wish them all the best, because they're a great bunch of lads."