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Chelsea’s Champions League-winning starting XI: Where are they in 2019?

By Kevin Peacock

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 24: Petr Cech of Chelsea in action during the Captial One Cup Third Round match between Chelsea and Bolton Wanderers at Stamford Bridge on September 24, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 24: Petr Cech of Chelsea in action during the Captial One Cup Third Round match between Chelsea and Bolton Wanderers at Stamford Bridge on September 24, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 24: Didier Drogba of Chelsea celebrates with fans and the trophy after the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Sunderland at Stamford Bridge on May 24, 2015 in London, England. Chelsea were crowned Premier League champions. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /

Salomon Kalou, Right wing, Hertha Berlin

Similar to Mikel John-Obi, Salomon Kalou was an underrated, but crucial, part of Chelsea’s squad around that time. His linkup play with fellow Ivorian, Didier Drogba, should not be understated.

Like Bosingwa and Drogba, Kalou’s time with Chelsea came to an end after that victory over Bayern Munich. With Eden Hazard heading to Stamford Bridge from Lille, Kalou went the other way on a free transfer. After two seasons there, he moved onto Hertha Berlin where he remains. At 33 years old, he has one more year remaining on that contract.

Ryan Bertrand, Left wing, Southampton

Currently at Southampton, Bertrand could be classed as one that got away as far as Chelsea are concerned. He was able to play at left back or on the left side of midfield which he did in the Champions League final. Interestingly, that game was his European debut and what game it was to make it in. He picked up a knock, though, and was replaced by Florent Malouda with 70 minutes gone.

He spent nine years with Chelsea, many of them on loan and he was never given the chance he perhaps deserved. He has had a long spell out injured this season but still has two years remaining on his contract with Saints.

Didier Drogba, Striker, Retired

What cannot be said about this great Ivorian giant of a man that has not already been said? This game was to be Drogba’s final game for Chelsea. When that corner was swung in by Juan Mata with just two minutes to go, the finesse of the finish was simply legendary.

Drogba went on to seal the win with the final kick of the game to break German hearts.

It was with great sadness that Chelsea fans all over the world watched him walk off into the sunset. Subsequent years saw him at various clubs in China, Turkey, the United States and one final swan song season with Chelsea. He finished his playing career with Phoenix Rising, where he went on to become a player-owner of the side. He still works on the commercial side for Chelsea as well as looking after his own Foundation, which raises money for various good causes in his native Ivory Coast.

Next. Chelsea's roller coaster seven years since the Champions League triumph. dark

Which player do you think has had the best post Champions League seven years? Let us know in the comments and on Twitter!

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