One the Chelsea`s greatest modern day heroes, Didier Drogba has announced he`ll hang up his boots at the end of the current USL season. The Ivorian turned 40 last Sunday and has decided to call it a day.
Drogba has seen out his final years as a player on the other side of the Atlantic. First in the MLS with Montreal Impact, before joining Phoenix Rising a club he jointly-owns.
But, all we`re really interested in though, is his time with Chelsea FC. Drogba was a legend. Never afraid to put himself on the line. Never afraid to score a goal or three, no matter what the stage was. Who could possibly forget that memorable moment when he coolly walked towards Manuel Neuer to take the final penalty in that oh-so glorious game in the Allianz Arena, and what better moment to show
Happy 40th birthday to Didier Drogba 🎂
Premier League: 🏆🏆🏆🏆
FA Cup: 🏆🏆🏆🏆
League Cup: 🏆🏆🏆
Champions League: 🏆The greatest African player to grace the Premier League? pic.twitter.com/wnFf42yG1s
? Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) March 11, 2018
That moment is my favourite Chelsea moment ever, not for what it actually achieved, but for me having total faith in Didier to score. At the time, 40 years of support had conditioned me to expect the worst, but as he watched him walk up, I simply said to my young son sat on the edge of the sofa with me, “we`re actually going to win the f****** Champions League”, and we did.
Drogba has been respected not only for his footballing achievements, but what he done to secure peace in his homeland. The Didier Drogba Foundation supports charities across the Ivory Coast and he used £3m he received as an advertising endorsement to build a hospital in his hometown. On all fronts the man is a legend in his own lifetime.
As Drogba senior hangs up his boots, his son, Isaac (17) has just signed with one of his dad`s former clubs in France. League 1 side Guingamp have secured the youngsters signature as he looks to emulate his father`s great achievements.
The BBC report that both Frank Lampard and John Terry replied to Drogba`s Instagram post. Isaac has spent time at Chelsea`s academy, let`s hope he`s someone they keep a close eye on.