Chelsea returned to Barcelona for the first time last week since their heroics in the 2012 Champions League semifinals. Fernando Torres was the hero for the Blues on that night, having come off the bench – what wouldn’t the Londoners have given for another individual to step up in their loss to the Blaugrana this term?
That famous goal, which had Gary Neville screaming and shouting with joy when doing commentary, had levelled the tie on the night and sent the Stamford Bridge side into the final, which was played on Bayern Munich’s own turf and saw the Premier League team defeat the Germans at penalties.
Although only one team member from that squad remains in Cobham, with Gary Cahill also leading the team as captain, Cesc Fabregas and Pedro were involved for the Spanish outfit the last time these two met in their homeland, whilst Barcelona still had a number of men in their team who remember what happened to them that night at the Camp Nou.
What did ever happen to the players who played in that famous Champions League semi-final? In other words, where are they now and what are they doing with their careers?
Goalkeeper
Petr Cech
The former Chelsea number one decided to make the short trip to the north of the capital where he joined Arsenal, having won every major honour with the Blues, and has recently made his 200th Premier League clean sheet.
Defenders
Branislav Ivanovic
The Serbia international defender headed to Russia and joined Zenit St. Petersburg, where he has rediscovered first-team football. He, as did Cech, also won every major honour at Chelsea during his nine-year stay at the Bridge.
John Terry
The Blues legend made the tough decision to leave Stamford Bridge last summer and join Aston Villa in the Championship and has been heavily influential in their campaign to get back into the Premier League next season.
Gary Cahill
As mentioned, the only Chelsea player to still be at the club and is the current leader of the side. He has found his place in the side tough to keep, with Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christiansen both performing well.
Ashley Cole
The 37-year-old has decided to take his trade to the United States of America and has been turning out for LA Galaxy, following in the footsteps of David Beckham. The left-back enjoyed eight hugely successful seasons at the club, winning all major trophies he possibly could.
Midfielders
Raul Meireles
Not many would remember the former Portugal international’s time in West London, however, he had made some important contributions to the team in Blue during his short stay. He was sold to Fenerbahce that summer, but he has since retired from the game.
Mikel John Obi
The former defensive midfielder joined in controversial circumstances and was one of a number of footballers who decided to try their luck in the Chinese Super League with Tianjin TEDA. He left Chelsea after 11-years with the club on a free transfer after having many defining moments for the Londoners.
Frank Lampard
Not much needs to be said about “Mr Chelsea”, with his name being just enough for most football fans to know what he brought to the club. The midfielder is still involved at the club, spending his time with the Academy earning his coaching badges, although he is enjoying his time as a TV Pundit.
Ramires
The Brazilian recently revealed he would love the chance to come back to Chelsea before he retires from playing, and his goal against Barcelona would certainly have done him no harm. Ramires is another of world football’s biggest players to head to China, as he currently turns out for Jiangsu Suning.
Juan Mata
The winger is currently working with Jose Mourinho at Manchester United and has been enjoying life at Old Trafford. He had been one of Chelsea’s best players for the two previous season’s and had continued to keep those performances to a high level – as Willian is currently doing.
Didier Drogba
The Chelsea King has had a travelled career since leaving the Blues, including a brief return to West London, but he now finds himself a player and owner of club Phoenix Rising in the United Soccer League.
Substitutes
Ross Turnball – Free agent, having been at Leeds United until last summer.
Michael Essien – At Indonesian side Persib Bandung, following spells at Real Madrid and AC Milan.
Fernando Torres – Chelsea’s hero on the night failed to make much of an impact and headed back to Atletico Madrid for a second spell.
Florent Malouda – Struggled to replicate any success after his Blues career, the French Guiana international (who had played 80 times for France) is currently at Luxembourg outfit FC Differdange 03.
Jose Bosingwa – A free agent after spending three years with Turkish team Trabzonspor.
Salomon Kalou – Left Chelsea for Ligue One side Lille in France before joining Bundesliga outfit Hertha Berlin in 2014.
Daniel Sturridge – The forward moved onto Liverpool, before heading to West Bromwich Albion on loan during this winter’s transfer window.
