Didier Drogba’s swansong proves to be the greatest of them all (Video)

Under AVB, few would disagree that Drogba looked like a player who was already playing for Shanghai Shenui, but his recent exploits notably in Munich, has surely given him legendary status at SW6. These clips which can be accessed on the following links, with the first being his last minute header in the final http://theoriginalwinger.com/2012-05-19-video-didier-drogbas-goal-vs-bayern-munich-champions-league-final-in-munich, and the latter, showing his decisive strike in the opening leg against Barcelona http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vb87rqCzbeA. These are just a few examples of Drogba’s pivotal moments in a blues shirt, but football fans around the world, cannot underestimate his impact on a club and global level.

Recent comments made by Jupp Heynckes that Drogba was an ‘incredible actor’, could be quite an apt evaluation for the Ivorian star. As if we go back in time when Chelsea needed a win against Valencia to progress from the group stage, it was Drogba who acted as the catalyst that night. The win was reminiscent of Steven Gerard’s antics against Olympiakos, with the rest being history, where Valencia’s back four became the latest casualty of Drogba’s legendary strength. That particular night, the football world saw one man who was destined to end Roman’s lust for the greatest club prize.  Obviously his antics against Barcelona at Stamford Bridge were overzealous at best, where he clocked up 6 minutes and 30 seconds laying down ‘injured’, but even in the Nou camp, he demonstrated great versatility in performing at left back when called upon.

Domestically, Drogba has also proved to be ‘the go to man’ for the big occasion, where he has scored eight out of eight times at the New Wembley, destroying the likes of Liverpool, Tottenham, Man united in the process. In the premier league, it could be argued that he deserved to win the 20 players season award for the best overseas player, rather than a sentimental choice in Cantona. Throughout his premier league career, he has produced game after game, with a tally of 100 league goals and 57 assists, amongst that time, Drogba has had to contend with world class signings such as Crespo, Torres, Shevchenko all of whom are now in the graveyard of failed investment.

But most fittingly of all, his performance against Bayern will without doubt be the highlight of his illustrious career. Where his heroics snatched an improbable victory from Bayern, and in comparison to Fernando Torres who was seen haggling his way from a spot kick responsibility, it was Drogba that took the winning kick.

However, although Drogba will forever be embedded in Chelsea’s modern DNA, for the Stamford Bridge outfit to progress, now will be the right time for both player and club to part ways. Future replacements such as Hulk from Porto or his former teammate Falcao would be the way forward for a fresher Chelsea ,who will want to progress from their capricious league form.  Whether Didier plays his trade in China or even America, his global appeal will leave an everlasting impression for some time.

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