Chelsea FC legend Didier Drogba is poised for yet another Blue swansong when his team hosts Sunderland at Stamford Bridge this Sunday.
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The Ivorian, who made a sensational return to the club with which he made his name, will captain the side in what will be his final match as a Chelsea player.
Drogba had always expressed his desire to play for one more season, and it’s only fair that he allows the club to either promote a young forward, or bring in another world-class striker to compete next season. A move to Major League Soccer seems very likely, as his former club Marseille cannot afford him.
.@didierdrogba is the first out to warm up at the Bridge, but his teammates left him behind! #alltheway https://t.co/PqE3yF2BuD
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 24, 2015
Speaking to the Chelsea FC website, Drogba announced that he would be leaving once again, but with hope of returning someday in another role.
“I want to play for at least one more season and in order to play more football I feel I need to go to another club. All the fans know my love for Chelsea and I hope to be back here in the future in another role.”
Despite playing as a third striking option, Drogba made 26 appearances for the Blues this season, scoring important goals against Manchester United and Leicester City, and ensuring that Chelsea wrapped things up as early as they possibly could.
Old School Didier Drogba
It will be an emotional send off, but it wouldn’t be the first time. The striker left London after winning Chelsea the Champions League with his timely equalizer and victory spot kick on that famous night in Munich.
After spells in China and Turkey, he would return to Stamford Bridge this season under Jose Mourinho. Albeit 37-years-old, Drogba played an important role, filling in for Diego Costa and Loic Remy when they were injured.
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He was far from his best, but good enough to take Mourinho’s men over the line when it mattered. Drogba is now a four-time Premier League winner with Chelsea, also winning his third Capital One Cup earlier in the season. The striker boasts four FA Cups — and obviously, a Champions League winner’s medal.
If he doesn’t score today, he will leave the club with an impressive 164 goals to his name.
The club thanked Drogba for his many years of good service, also adding that he will always be welcome back at the Bridge.
"“Everyone at Chelsea Football Club would like to thank Didier for his fantastic service and he is always welcome back to Stamford Bridge.”"
Didier Drogba will surely be missed. He was a huge character, a legend, a winner — but most importantly — one of the greatest strikers to ever grace Chelsea and the Premier League.
Goodbye again… Didier Drogba. #Legend