Didier Drogba: Champions League was the highlight of my football career
Thursday 26 November 2015 13:50, UK
Didier Drogba talks exclusively to Sky Sports News HQ about his illustrious career, including his time at Chelsea, life in the MLS, the best managers and teams he has played against, and his most memorable day in football.
Drogba won every major trophy during his two spells at Stamford Bridge and has also played for a number of other big-name clubs throughout the world, such as Marseille, Shanghai Shenhua, Galatasaray and - currently - the Montreal Impact.
The 37-year old - who was speaking to promote his autobiography 'Commitment' and who will appear as a special guest on this week's Goals on Sunday - also has his say on what's gone wrong at Stamford Bridge this season, how manager Jose Mourinho will fix it and who will succeed his former club as champions...
What is your best day in football?
Winning the Champions League final was the best day of my career, because I had been dreaming of this since I was kid. Watching the games, Ronaldo playing, Zidane, Raul, Ronald Koeman, all these players. And then to see this trophy.
As a player you either want to win the World Cup or the Champions League - the league is not the same level. Winning the Champions League was the highlight of my football career.
What can you tell us about your relationship with Jose Mourinho?
It is a special relationship. Everybody knows that he was the one who signed me and even when it was difficult he believed in me and we have kept a very good relationship since then.
When he came back here he wanted me back and it was an honour for me to play for him again and win the league again with him.
Is there much difference between the Mourinho of 2004 and today?
Yes, there is a difference. Now the players in the team are younger than when I first arrived at the club, I think Frank Lampard was 24, 25, Makelele was much older, all these guys, so there was more maturity in this team.
So the message was sometimes easy to catch and also he could push us to the limit sometimes because he knew he would get the answer. But now with the new generation it is a bit more difficult, you have to handle them in a different way, to be a bit more calm, you have to adapt to them a bit more than before when you could push a bit more to get results.
So that is the difference and change - he has to adapt to a new way of dealing with young players.
To get into the top four would be a great achievement [for Chelsea], knowing the way the team started this season, and it is possible
Why do you think it has it not gone right for Chelsea this season?
I do not know, I am not there so it is difficult for me to talk about it. But it is a different situation for the club and the manager and the players. You know when you won the league the season before and you find yourselves in the last three or four teams in the table after four or five games, it is kind of a shock.
But I know the players and the managers have the ability to change this. They have won two consecutive games in the last days, so I think it is kind of a new start.
How can Diego Costa turn around his current struggles at Chelsea?
I think the best way to turn it around is you adapt. It is difficult for me to tell him what to do. During my time there I had some difficulties, so I always tried to think and find a way for me to change this as I had to make sure my supporters were happy with me and my performances.
What would represent success for Chelsea this season?
To get into the top four would be a great achievement, knowing the way the team started this season it would be a fantastic achievement, and it is possible.
Who are your favourites for this season's Premier League?
I think Manchester City will be strong as always in the last few years. But unfortunately Chelsea are too far, so I will go for my friend Petr Cech at Arsenal.
Is Jamie Vardy currently among the best strikers in the Premier League?
He is one of the most efficient at the moment. Scoring goals in a team like Leicester is one thing - but you have to go to the next level and score. What he is doing right now is unbelievable, fantastic, though.
You have played for and against some of the best managers of your generation, but who would you pick out as the best of all time?
Jose, Alex Ferguson, Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola.
Is there a player you wished you had played with?
There is a lot. Ronaldinho, Obviously Lionel Messi, Zinedine Zidane, I have a big list! I have played against some really fantastic players.
And the best team you have played against?
I would say Barcelona and Inter Milan in 2010.
How do you look back at your first spell in the MLS?
It is a fantastic experience. For me to go there and see how many people are interested in football, it is amazing the effect of the Premier League, and all the leagues in the world, in America.
Goals on Sunday
