Soccer:Penalty shoot-out hero Didier Drogba and manager Roberto di Matteo were united last night in refusing to allow talk of their own futures to invade the greatest night in Chelsea history. The Stamford Bridge outfit celebrated Champions League glory at the Allianz Arena as they came from behind to beat Bayern Munich 4-3 on penalties.
Drogba scored the decisive kick, with what could prove to be his last contribution for the club as his contract is due to expire in the summer. And Di Matteo’s future is equally uncertain despite rescuing Chelsea from meltdown following Andre Villas-Boas’ dismissal in February.
“This is a great day for the club,” said Drogba. “There are not enough words to describe how I feel. The most important thing is not my future. The most important thing is what we have achieved.
“It was an amazing game. It was a crazy game. I was confident before I took the penalty. I wanted to score for my team-mates. I wanted to make Chelsea smile.”
Drogba had already made one significant contribution, extending a remarkable record of scoring in nine successive finals for Chelsea by heading home a last-minute equaliser after Thomas Muller had put Bayern in front eight minutes from time.
Former Chelsea star Arjen Robben was denied when Petr Cech saved his spot-kick in extra-time then, after Juan Mata had missed Chelsea’s first penalty in the shoot-out, Ivica Olic and Bastian Schweinsteiger also failed to find the target, leaving Drogba to end Roman Abramovich’s long wait for the trophy he craved more than any other.
Yet Drogba’s future remains unclear as rumours have persisted that he will leave for a new chapter in his career in China. “It was the last kick of the season,” said the Ivorian, when asked whether it was his last kick for the club. You do not make decisions in emotional moments like this.”
Di Matteo was equally evasive when talk turned to his future, even though it seems impossible that, having delivered the ultimate prize. Abramovich could now decide he is not capable of being Chelsea’s new manager.
“I feel great,” he said. “But I need a holiday because these last three months have been very challenging. At this moment, whatever the future holds for me is irrelevant.”
As he went up to get his medal at the Allianz Arena, it did appear Di Matteo said “we did it” as he embraced Abramovich. However, he would not confirm that in the aftermath. “I don’t discuss those things in public,” he said. “But he looked very happy on what was an historic night for our football club.”
Di Matteo also claimed Chelsea deserve to take their place in next season’s Champions League, which they will do at Tottenham’s expense, even though they could only finish sixth in this year’s Premier League. “I do feel the winners should qualify for next season’s competition,” he said. “That is the right thing. Whether it is fair or not for Tottenham to be in as well is not really for me to answer.”
