According to a report by Football London on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Sandro has revealed that he and goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes maintained friendships with Chelsea stars David Luiz, Oscar and Ramires despite the intense rivalry between the two London clubs.

Sandro discussed his experiences during an appearance on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football ahead of Chelsea’s upcoming Premier League clash with Tottenham. The Brazilian midfielder spent four years at Spurs, during which he featured in several fiercely contested London derbies against Chelsea.

Despite the competitive atmosphere surrounding those matches, Sandro explained that relationships between players from both clubs extended beyond the football pitch. He and Gomes regularly spent time with Luiz, Oscar and Ramires while they were all playing in England.

His revelation highlighted how professional rivalries do not necessarily prevent footballers from developing friendships away from their clubs. Sandro also suggested that such relationships might be less common in the modern game, where competition and the demands of professional football can limit interactions between players from rival teams.

The disclosure comes ahead of Saturday’s meeting at Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea will host Tottenham in another important Premier League encounter.

Chelsea, under manager Xabi Alonso, have shown encouraging signs following the international break. Their recent performances have provided reasons for optimism as Alonso continues to develop the team’s tactical approach and consistency.

Tottenham, meanwhile, are seeking to maintain their momentum under Roberto De Zerbi after securing a 3-1 victory over Coventry City. The result offered encouragement ahead of a difficult away fixture against their London rivals.

Chelsea also produced a solid defensive performance in their latest league outing against Everton, giving Alonso further positives to consider before the weekend clash. Tottenham will need to be equally disciplined if they hope to secure a favourable result at Stamford Bridge.

During his appearance on Monday Night Football, Sandro also revealed his selection for an all-time Brazilian Premier League XI. His team included three former Chelsea players: David Luiz, Thiago Silva and Willian, recognising their contributions to English football during their careers.

Sandro selected Gabriel Jesus as his preferred centre-forward, completing a line-up featuring several prominent Brazilian players who have made their mark in the Premier League.

Chelsea striker Joao Pedro could also strengthen his reputation in English football if he continues to develop, although his display against Everton was less convincing than some of his earlier performances this season.

Sandro’s recollections offer a reminder that friendships can develop across club rivalries, even when players are preparing to compete against one another in high-pressure matches.