Mandatory Credit: Mitchell Gunn-USA TODAY Sports
Ahead of next week’s return to Stamford Bridge in the Champions League, Galatasaray striker Didier Drogba celebrates his 36th birthday today. It is amazing to think that a player of his quality is still performing at such a high level at his age. His game was never really based on pace but even at 36 he has a dominant look about him that shows he could continue playing for years to come. He is first choice at Galatasaray and would likely still be first choice at Chelsea if he never left. There are not many strikers that can possess his combination of technical ability, holdup play, power, and finishing prowess. He did not always perform at his best for every match, but when he is up for it, there were not many better than Drogba.
He inspired countless players around the world and became their hero. He mentored Salomon Kalou and Daniel Sturridge, both fine strikers in their own way, and is a hero to future stars like Romelu Lukaku and Wilfried Bony. Off the field he has worked tirelessly to help his native land and even helped end a civil war before the 2006 World Cup. His impact goes far beyond scoring goals for Chelsea, Galatasaray, or the Ivory Coast even if that is what he is best known for.
On his birthday, we can look back at the things he has accomplished in a Chelsea shirt. There are the countless domestic titles and of course the most important of them all, the Champions League trophy. With one powerful swing of his right leg, Didier Drogba changed his legacy in the competition and the history of Chelsea in Europe. No longer would he be the player who could not keep his composure against Manchester United and no longer would Chelsea be also-rans in the competition. The demons of the uncalled handballs against Barcelona and John Terry’s slip in Moscow were exorcised and Chelsea faithful felt the weight of never truly succeeding the Champions League fall off their shoulders.
For all this, and for so much more, we thank you and honor you today, Didier Drogba, The King of Stamford Bridge.
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