This week is set to be a bit of an emotional one for Chelsea fans as two former stars of the club announced their retirement from professional football: Didier Drogba and Joe Cole.
Fans will no doubt hold fond memories of both players. During his time at Stamford Bridge between 2003-2010, Cole made 281 appearances for the club in all competitions, scoring 40 goals. The former England international helped his side to three Premier League titles, two FA Cups and one League Cup.
After leaving the Blues in 2010, Cole went on to have spells with Liverpool, Lille, West Ham, Aston Villa, Coventry City and Tampa Bay Rowdies in the United States which ended up being his last club.
The world of football was indeed lucky to have witnessed Cole playing until 37 and Drogba til age 40.
Didier Drogba
Drogba surely holds a special place in the hearts of most Chelsea fans, as he was responsible for leading the line for the club between 2004-2012. He made a comeback for the Blues in the 2014-15 season and served as cover for then first-choice striker Diego Costa with distinction even when he was well beyond his prime years.
Drogba managed 164 goals for Chelsea and to date, it is the highest number of goals scored for the club by a non-English player. The Ivorian finished as the Premier League’s top scorer twice, which came during the seasons of 2006-07 and 2009-10. He helped the club to win four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups and one Champions League.
He is a one-time Chelsea Player of the Year recipient, having received the award in 2010.
Due to the fact that Drogba was such a special player for Chelsea, it will not be surprising to see him getting involved with the club in a backroom capacity one day in the future.
