Didier Drogba

[capriccioso 2,545]

What I will miss most is that unshakable self confidence and willpower he had. Who else would play with a broken arm or malaria?

[gary gordon 1,777]

It's the end of an era for us lads

For me Didier Drogba was the ultimate striker, leader and gentleman. He was the complete player and so many times was just unplayable. You couldn't coach against him because if you put a small quick defender to halt his footwork and speed, he would beat you in the air, If you put a big, slow defender (Gallas, Toure) to beat him in the air, he would use his speed and power. He is simply unbelievable!

How many times he saved us on the brink of defeat or draw to turn the game on it's head. How many times would we need a player to stand up and deliver and Drogba would put his hand up and do it.

My most memorable game was the 08 Champions League Semi-final vs Liverpool. Rafa Bentiez went to the press calling Drogba a "diver" and a "cheat" and that he was not good for the game. So, what does Didier do? score two of the most amazing goals, run to half way, slide on his knees and pump his chest in front of the overrated Liverpool manager. Things like that are what i was always remember about Didier.

I'm just glad that i can tell my kids that i lived in the time to watch the great Didier Drogba.

He will never be forgotten. We love you big fella.

[Blue Armour 4,436]

“I would love to help Chelsea in any way, even if they tell me to come and cut the grass. I will do it.” — Didier Drogba, via SkySports

I wonder whether he can come back on loan for a few months, like Henry did... if we're playing Arsenal or Barca in knockout cup...

[chelseasince68 21]

He's got the full set now, and at an age when it's time to move on.

A CHELSEA LEGEND, frustrating at times, but unplayable also.

A truly WORLD CLASS player

Thank You Didier

[M0rb1D4S 84]

He's living legend, one of the best strikers of the world! Thanks Didi for all you did for Chelsea.

[capriccioso 2,545]

If he goes to the MLS, perhaps we can do what AC Milan did with David Beckham and get him on loan for those cup finals and important last 3-4 months of the season.

One can always hope, I suppose. I hope he does link up with the club again one day, in any capacity. Even as a part time scout. Didier

[Jase 43,479]

Wonder if Mourinho would go for him.

[capriccioso 2,545]

Wonder if Mourinho would go for him.

Nah. He's leaving us for first team football, he'll be behind Benzema and possibly Higuain at Real Madrid.

Sorry to go off topic, but if he doesn't get 'Legend' status on FM13 I'll riot.

[Jase 43,479]

Nah. He's leaving us for first team football, he'll be behind Benzema and possibly Higuain at Real Madrid.

Sorry to go off topic, but if he doesn't get 'Legend' status on FM13 I'll riot.

True but if there is anyone who can convince them to play sort of second fiddle at a club, it's Mourinho.

[capriccioso 2,545]

I can't comprehend why he's going to China/AFC in general when he still has unfinished business with Cote d'Ivoire. He needs to win an AFCON with them to be recognised as Africa's greatest player, IMO. He will also be loathe to be regarded in his country as a guy that flopped for nation but excelled at club.

[Blue Traveler 256]

Just gutted to hear the news!

[Leif 6,006]

Would Drogba get into anyone's all-time Chelsea XI ahead Bobby Tambling now?

He would for me... which is a little hard to say.

I understand what Tambling did for the club and how many goals he scored, but obviously I've seen much more of Drogba, being one of the 'younger' guys on here, and now that he has won the Champions League with us I guess he edges it.

(Now it's time to be sneaky and slip in my updated all-time XI here)

Bonetti

Harris LeBoeuf Terry Le Saux

Makelele Lampard

Zola Mata J.Cole

Drogba

Can't believe Mata's already in it too!

I'm finding it hard to leave out Tambling though, so I guess a "B" team is in order :-

Cech

Ivanovic Carvalho Desailly Cole

Wise Di Matteo Deco Duff

Osgood

Tambling

[TacticalBlues 2,817]

Didier Drogba is due to carry the Olympic torch through Swindon any minute now.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day5

EDIT:

Haha Flood of blue people around Drogba and you can here Chelsea fans chanting

[CHOULO19 24,332]

Good interview yesterday:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_VfV1eBnHo&feature=g-u-u

[fAnta 107]

Can't believe it still.