Farewells can be shattering, especially after one has given everything he could possibly muster to deliver a dream to his family. A dream that made the family and himself, invincible. A dream that etched his name in the history of football. When the whole world was proven wrong time and time again because he made it happen. When the onus of winning us the impossible lied on his shoulders, he made it happen. Against the best keeper in the world, who was brimming with confidence after his own successful penalty kick. His tall frame would make the fiercest enemies tense during a penalty shootout. The way he jumped and touched the crossbar suddenly made the goal look so small. But Drogba, his face glistening with sweat after a long and tiring game, remained focused. This was not the time for exhaustion. He knew he may not get this chance again. This was his chance to leave a legacy, be immortal. A three step run up didn’t bring much confidence in the hearts of the supporters. Was he nervous? Did he want to get over with it quickly? Was he that confident? Was he going to bottle this one chance? But these questions faded away after the ball nestled in the net. The Blue part of the stadium erupted in cheers. The team broke out in a frenzy. Such emotions are hard to describe. Yes, he made it happen. With what looked like his last kick in Blue.
Very few players get to end their football career in their beloved club the way he did. Very few players are loved the way he is, at Stamford Bridge. The King left at the right time because it was time for the club to move on from that era. It was time for the club to not rest on his shoulders for achieving success. We had to move on, he felt that, and left. But at that moment, we didn’t just lose a player of immense quality, we lost a leader. With the Spaniard always living under a huge shadow of expectations, we were simply, toothless. Seasons went by, new players came in but we never saw anyone leading from the front, the way Drogba did. There were times, when a striker missed a chance or a half-chance, people would say things like “Drogba would’ve put that one in easily” and no one would retaliate. We never really moved on. Because the hole he left was never filled.
“I would never imagine him coming back to the club as a player. He ended his Chelsea career in the best possible way. His decision to move was best for both, him and the club”
A very common and a sensible viewpoint for most fans. There are fans who never wanted to see him as a player because it was time to look upto a younger player to lead us upfront. And then, there are fans who didn’t want him to be remembered as a player who failed miserably on his return. Nevertheless, he has returned. What troubles me is the mixed reaction from the fans on his arrival. People aren’t exactly happy to see him come back because they can’t put faith in a player who won them the Champions League not long ago. Do a couple of years on his engine matter so much that people are expecting a failure? He was too old to win us the Champions League, people said. People underestimated him, and our team. Now I see our own set of fans, underestimating his ability. This troubles me. In the past, we put our faith blindly on him to deliver against the most staggering odds. Now a certain set of fans think that this return will tarnish his memory.
Then there are people who claim that his return would affect Romelu Lukaku. These are the same set of fans who are living under the false impression that Jose sent him away on another loan spell at Everton. The truth is, he left because he didn’t want to face competition. Competition which consisted of an “old” striker, a striker who was constantly rued because he came at the expense of another who left for Liverpool and Fernando Torres. Lukaku wanted to be the first choice for his country. And he was taking no chances even though everyone believed that he would eventually beat his competition. He left, because it was his decision. His recent comments in the media suggest he still doesn’t like competition. Well, no matter how good a player is, if he wants to ever play in a big club, he will always find competition. And if he can’t deal with that, it’s time for him to move on. While I do think that he has the potential to be a great player, I simply don’t want him to start without any competition for places. Now he faces, Diego Costa who scores goals for fun, the legend himself – Didier Drogba, and Fernando Torres who is… well Fernando Torres. If he believes he has the ability to show his worth amongst these set of people, I would be glad to have him at our disposal.
In my opinion, even though Drogba has returned as a player, I feel we have found a striker who can lead us for the years to come, in Diego Costa. A strong, physical striker who holds up the ball well. He makes intelligent runs and attacks every space offered to him by the opposition defender. He displays an aura of confidence and isn’t afraid of anything, a quality which wasn’t felt since Drogba left. So, Drogba’s return isn’t setting us back to depending on him to deliver success. We put our faith in another Spaniard.
These fans sense another problem with Drogba’s return; we now have four strikers and all of them want to prove themselves. I’m always happy that there’s competition but sometimes too much competition can lead to problems in the dressing room. Well, Drogba doesn’t need to prove anything. So when some people think that he would be disgruntled if he doesn’t get playing time, they are very wrong. The man loves the club and one can expect him to give everything he has, one last time, whenever he is on the field. He is here to provide passion and leadership to a side which has problems upfront. Not to create distress.
At 36, I can only imagine that he will end his playing career where he belongs, and be a part of this club by taking the role of a coach. Where we have always criticized our club at instances for not treating our past players with respect, this is an excellent example of us doing the right thing. Talent and quality is required for success. But passion, emotion and the will to win sets aside the Champions from contenders.
Legends are remembered for their great things. Even his failure as a player on his return (if we consider that as a possibility) would never hurt the legacy he has made. He will still be remembered as a player who delivered, when the whole world expected him not to. He will still be remembered for flying in over Lampard to score the header which shocked the Germans, in their own backyard. So instead of doubting his ability, we should be welcoming him with open arms. He is back where he truly belongs. This is the time, we put our faith in him again. And I’m confident, like always, that he will not let us down.
“Farewells can be shattering, but returns are surely worse. Solid flesh can never live up to the bright shadow cast by its absence. Time and distance blur the edges; then suddenly the beloved has arrived, and its noon with its merciless light, and every spot and pore and wrinkle and bristle stands clear” – Margaret Atwood.
Time for the King to put that quote to the test.
Udit is a part of the @Football_P family. You can follow him at @OnlyWayIsJose
