When goalkeeper Thomas Müller was replaced in the Champions League final in the 87th minute against Daniel van Buyten, coach Jupp Heynckes wanted one thing above all: to save the narrow 1-0 lead over time. A few seconds later, Didier Drogba's great performance came from behind Juan Mata's side in front of Chelsea's fans, banging under the crossbar. A header like a shot on goal.
The so-called "final dahoam" of Bayern went into extra time and was decided on penalties. Drogba converted the decisive penalty, it was the biggest moment of a 20-year career, which has now come to an end after 300 official goals for a total of eight clubs.
The 104-time Côte d'Ivoire international announced the end of his Thursday night career on Twitter, announced in March, "I want to thank all the players, coaches, teams and fans I met - and make this trip unique have made." Recently Drogba had accumulated for the US club Phoenix Rising in the second-rate United Soccer League and had already denied there in early November his last competitive match.
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- Didier Drogba (@didierdrogba) November 21, 2018Not only because of the Champions League victory were the eight years in the jersey of Chelsea Drogbas most successful time. For the Blues, the attacker scored 164 goals in 381 games and won four championships and four cup wins. With 40 hits for the Ivory Coast, 40-year-old Drogba is the top scorer in his home country.