Drogba is a surprise guest for cup final
● Didier Drogba sneaked into the country early yesterday to surprise football lovers with his presence at the Heineken House of Drama where the sponsor of the European Champions League held a viewing party for thousands of fans.
Drogba, who admitted to not being able to blow a vuvuzela despite “trying many times”, was the guest of honour at last night’s broadcast of the European Cup final.
The former Champions League winner said that scoring the winning penalty in 2012 for Chelsea ranked as the most dramatic moment of his career. Chelsea won the final 4-3 on penalties after the match ended 1-1, even with extra time.
Back then the footballer had flowing locks. In December Drogba made a decision to start afresh.
“I knew I was kind of at the end of my career and it was a way to mark the new phase of my life,” he said about shaving his head.
“I was nervous but I just said: ‘OK, do it.’ And I did it.” Drogba kept the chopped-off hair, jokingly saying: “Maybe one day I’ll put it back.”
The father of three now plays football in the US where he is an owner-player for second-tier side Phoenix Rising. He described his time in the US as “very good” because he regarded it as an opportunity to inspire his young teammates.
Six days ago Drogba played his 500th club game.
“It feels like I played more than that, no?” Drogba, now 40, celebrated by having drinks with his teammates, some of whom “were babies” when he began his senior football career with Le Mans in the French league as a 20-year-old.
As the legendary footballer heads towards retirement later this year when the American season ends, he is looking forward to spending more time with his family.
“When you’re playing, you’re gone most of the time, and now I can relax a little bit and not rely on the results of the club because [winning and losing] is affecting them as well.”
Drogba still has an extraordinary influ- ence on the game, just as he did when at his peak.
In a recent club match, he drank water before scoring a crucial goal.
It was said to have contained magic powers, and afterwards “magic water” was creat- ed for fans.
So does the legend of being Didier Drogba ever become daunting?
“It’s fun.
“All these things ... it’s about sharing emotions and creating drama for the fans.