Legends to Icons

[Shane 2,275]

Nothing compared to BlueLion's really, But said i'd do one for the final and here it is.

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When Andre Villas Boas was given his marching orders, It seemed that we were set for our worst season in recent history. We were crumbling. We were out of sorts. Our old guard weren't doing it, Fernando Torres wasn't doing it, and the team was being carried by Juan Mata and Ramires it seemed. We were on the verge of being knocked out of the Champions League, We faced Napoli, a team that boasted a forward line that would make any defence in Europe shiver, and were already 3-1 down from the first leg. All was not well.

That night in Stamford Bridge won't be remembered as vividly as the night in Camp Nou, but my god it was an colossal effort by the blues. Looking back it on, I restored pride in the blue shirt, It restored hope in the fans. You could say, it put the romance back into football for Chelsea fans. One thing that has to be said about Chelsea, no matter what you think about our style, is that when their backs are against the wall, and a question was asked, They fought, scrapped, clawed, and answered that question, they didn't just answer that question, they aced it.

Credit must be given to the likes of Frank Lampard who has been reborn in this Champions League run. He is excelling in a deep lying playmaker role, Which could well prolong his Chelsea career. Ashley Cole, who struggled for parts of the season, has found a great run of form. I'll never forget, and it was pointed out on the live coverage of the game by Sky Sports, when Barcelona were 2-0 up and everyone lost hope, He fought. He never gave up. He had that belief, and it rubbed off on the rest of the team. When John Terry got sent off he took the captaincy. Him along with 9 others.

In the end we finished 6th in the league, we rested players and that reflected on the scoreline of games, But really, who cares about finishing 6th. This isn't about getting Champions League football next season. This is about making history. Doing what no other Chelsea team has done before. Jose Mourinho tried and failed, along did many others, But Roberto Di Mateo has it in his grasp. He took this managers job in his stride. Again, i'm using Sky Sports here, But on the night of our 2-2 victory in Camp Nou, he lost to some League 1 team who's name I forget because there not very good with his MK Dons side.

So many things have been achieved already. Keeping Napoli's world class front three scoreless in 120 minutes of football at Stamford Bridge. Doing what Manchester United couldn't and coming away from Benfica with a win and a clean sheet. Stopping Barcelona from scoring at Stamford Bridge. The most famous, Keeping the all mighty Lionel Messi scoreless over 180 minutes of football, and about 50 of those were with 10 men.

I'll always look back on this campaign because it really has been a rollercoaster. I honestly don't think i've celebrated a Chelsea goal like I celebrated Fernando's in the semi final. Andres Inestia's goal on that famous night in Stamford Bridge always put that doubt in my mind, that fear of the worst. I honestly never let myself think "We've done it, they're not going to score". Thanks Andres, That Torres goal was so much sweeter because of you. I've tried to describe the feeling to alot of people since then. To be honest, its still blurry. It was just thinking "Thats it, we've done it". We went to the Nou Camp, and we bet the best team in the world. Enjoy your break Pep, and don't worry, We're not going anywhere.

On Saturday, These players cannot become legends, because in my eyes they already are for what they've achieved. If the finish the job, They'll become Icons. If we do move to Battersea, Statues of the players should be erected all around, For future Chelsea players to be inspired. I'll tell my grandchildren about that tie with Barcelona, and I will cherish the memory of Torres scoring till the day I die, Even if we lose on Saturday.

Bayern Munich are a great team, in there own back yard. There Champions League final if you will. Thats perfect. All the pressure on them. Just like it was on Napoli. Just like it was on Barcelona. Beating them in Munich will be tough? They said the same about going through at the Nou Camp.

The players have to do it, and they will do it. For Osgood, For Chopper Harris, For Zola, For Pat Lampard, For Ramires, Ivanovic, Terry and Meireles.

Win or Lose, We'll keep the blue flag flying high.

[capriccioso 2,545]

Very nice, Shane! You're being harsh on yourself., that's a great article!

If I were to nitpick, you've used one of my pet peeves by capitalising words in the middle of sentences that don't need to have capitals. But I'm OCD about that kind of thing, so don't take it as an insult

[RamiCFC9 258]

Dude that was great, well done! "Thanks Andres, That Torres goal was so much sweeter because of you." - this is my favourite sentence.I've never had the privilege to see Osgood, Chopper Harris or Zola.But Frankie, JT, Drogba, Ash - they are my heroes forever.

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Being very harsh on yourself mate. I enjoyed reading it. It seems there is genuine belief amongst the fans at the minute and you put it across very eloquently. Well done!

[KonohasOrangeFlash 2,607]

Very nice, Shane! You're being harsh on yourself., that's a great article!

If I were to nitpick, you've used one of my pet peeves by capitalising words in the middle of sentences that don't need to have capitals. But I'm OCD about that kind of thing, so don't take it as an insult

I know I should not be talking (due to my random capitals in words) but speaking of nitpicking, you should never start a sentence with the word 'but' as it is a conjunction.

Anyway great article Shane. I just hope we aren't shattered when the game is over. Petr Cech is under appreciated. I think he is already a Chelsea legend. Our greatest ever keeper and the stats back that up. I hope statues are erected of Cech, Terry, Lampard and Drogba. The spine of the greatest era Chelsea has and may ever see.

[Spike 12,049]

I'm proud right now. So proud. Chest strong and head held high I am proud.

[Strike 7,489]

Love the emotion in that article. i am surprised you don't write often

[zolayes 14,489]

excellent article would just add one name ... He will be sitting with Osgood cheering us on . Matthew Harding.