Occasionally, men become heroes. In rare instances, those heroes become legends. On Tuesday, Didier Drogba, the legend, returns to Stamford Bridge. For the first time since he provided Chelsea with its finest moment -- the 2012 UEFA Champions League trophy -- Drogba returns to the ground where he is treated like a god among mere mortals. At Stamford Bridge, even the Queen would have to kneel before the Ivorian striker for all that he has provided the London club. In his last match with Chelsea, Drogba led the frontline against Bayern Munich in the Champions League final. To say Chelsea was the underdog on that occasion would be an understatement, but that is what made Drogbas legend all the more incredible. Seemingly no one could properly explain how the Blues had overcome Barcelona in the semifinals, but beating the German juggernaut in its home city and stadium, a ground where Bayern had a perfect record in Europe, appeared impossible. After Bayern went ahead in the 83rd minute, Chelseas dream run appeared to be over. The goal scorer, Thomas Muller, was taken off in a defensive substitution designed to preserve the 1-0 lead and waste time. Muller barely reached the bench when Drogba rose on a corner and beamed a powerful header off Manuel Neuers left hand into the roof of the net. In the 88th minute, the score was 1-1. Drogbas legend grew, but still, it was not complete. Eleven days before that European final, the Ivorian scored Chelseas second goal in a 2-1 victory over Liverpool in the FA Cup final. Effectively, Drogba scored the match winner at Wembley, and that was enough of a parting gift to warm the Chelsea supporters hearts. To be certain, well before Munich, Drogba was already a club legend. In his eight years with Chelsea, the physical striker finished with 157 goals for the Blues, including nine goals in nine cup finals. Looking back at his history, it seems impossible to imagine Drogba not scoring in that Munich final. The man made a career out of scoring in cup finals. It was his calling card, and Munich was his destiny. After leveling the score two minutes short of full time, Drogba fought off fatigue and lasted for the full 30 minutes of extra time. The Champions League final would go to penalties, and Drogba took his place as the anchor leg for Chelsea. He would take the final penalty in the shootout, likely the decisive penalty. Heroes such as Juan Mata and Bastian Schweinsteiger had already failed to convert from the spot, and then, the time came. One penalty, Drogba had to convert. Neuer dove to his left. Drogba struck a well-placed effort to the opposite corner and immediately took off running in celebration. In some ways, he never stopped running because that moment was instantly immortalized. With his final kick as a Chelsea player, Drogba scored the winning penalty for Chelseas first Champions League victory. The legend was complete. Following that match, Drogba left Chelsea for China. After some back and forth, Drogba landed in Turkey and settled at Galatasaray. On Tuesday, he returns to Stamford Bridge for the first time since he brought home the Blues shiniest trophy. In all, Drogba won 12 trophies in eight seasons for the Blues, including three Premier League titles, four FA Cups and that unforgettable Champions League trophy. On Tuesday, though, he will not be wearing his famous blue Chelsea kit. Instead, he will be dressed in the colors of Galatasaray, but few believe Drogba will receive the typical treatment afforded to visitors. After all, a quarter of the stadium is probably still donning a shirt with his name on the back. I think Im allowed to say that I will receive a warm welcome because I know Chelseas fans and our relationship is really special, Drogba told UEFA ahead of the match. The fans at Stamford Bridge have not glossed over Drogbas contributions to the club. On occasion, Chelsea supporters unfurl a banner that features an image of Drogbas face with the words Drogba Legend accompanying it. It will be great to see them again, Drogba said of the Chelsea supporters. I am looking forward to it. On Tuesday, those fans will finally have a moment to pay homage to their legend. The ovation and adoration Drogba expects to receive should be hair-raising, and his reaction to the fans should be eye-watering. The 90 minutes that will follow promise to be fascinating, but Drogbas return to Stamford Bridge is worth so much more than 90 minutes in between whistles. Its worth mentioning: A 1-1 draw would lead to 30 minutes of extra time and the potential to go to penalty kicks. Wouldnt that be something?
Posted on: Tue, 18 Mar 2014 00:57:59 +0000
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