Mitchell Gunn-USA TODAY Sports
After winning the Champions League with Chelsea back in 2012, Didier Drogba called time on his career in the Premier League to join Shanghai Shenhua of the Chinese Super League.
There, in 11 appearances, he managed to score eight goals. Then his heart desired a move back to Europe, so Istanbul became his new destination as he wore the red and yellow of Galatasaray.
At Gala, he scored six goals in 17 appearances. He is well known for his back heel strike against Real Madrid in Gala’s 3-2 return leg home victory in the Champions League. He helped the Istanbul outfit win their second straight Turkish Super League title this past season as well.
Now, he is on the radar of former manager Jose Mourinho, who has finally returned to the helm of Chelsea.
At Chelsea, he scored 100 goals in 226 appearances. He was Mourinho’s first signing at the club and went on to play a big role in winning two straight PL titles. Now 35, his old coach is hoping for his return so he could make some of his old magic happen.
However, even with all of this speculation, he would be doing harm to the organization as well as the fans who have shown nothing but love for the Ivorian international if he were to leave Istanbul after just half of a season. He has been an important part of the club’s second-half performance which gave them a quarterfinal finish in the Champions League, and he helped them to the Super League title.
His presence, leadership and overall knowledge of the game has improved the quality of the Turkish side greatly.
Due to his love for the game, love for Chelsea and respect for Mourinho, this move — even at the rising age of 35 — could very well happen sooner than later. If the right amount of money were put on the table, Galatasaray could very well let him return to Stamford Bridge and with that money, they could find a suitable replacement up top.
Whether Drogba leaves or stays, he will still be respected by both clubs as well as their fans. He was, is and always will be a class act.
