Drogba set for 'match of his career'
by Mairianne Reardon, 13 May 2008
Didier Drogba is adamant that he and Chelsea captain John Terry will be fit for next week’s Champions League showdown with Manchester United, and claims their defeat in The Premier League will not affect ‘the match of his career’.
Sunday’s 1-1 Premier League draw with Bolton left both players injured, with Drogba inflaming an old knee injury and Terry dislocating his elbow.
But the 30-year-old claimed he would be fit to chase The Blues’ first Champions League title in Moscow next Wednesday.
“I took a blow to my knee that was operated on [back in December], and it hurt at the time,” the Ivory Coast player told French daily L’Equipe.
“I put ice on it immediately. But there is nothing serious. I will be at training this week."
When asked on the fitness of team-mate Terry, who ended up in hospital on Sunday after a collision with goalkeeper Petr Cech, Drogba claimed the captain would play.
“I have spoken to him – he will play in Moscow,” he said.
“No-one wants to miss this gigantic match, the match of our careers. That’s the case for me anyway."
Chelsea lost out to United in the race for The Premier League title as The Red Devils secured their defence of the crown with a 2-0 win at Wigan.
But Drogba claims their performance at the climax of the European title will deny Sir Alex Ferguson’s men the Double.
“This Champions League match is different,” said the striker.
“It will play itself out over 90 or 120 minutes, like in the FA Cup final last year [which Chelsea won 1-0 thanks to Drogba’s goal in the second half of extra-time].
“We know that we can beat United, we proved it again in the league a fortnight ago.
“But they deserved their title and were rewarded for their consistency. We made too many mistakes."
There has been plenty of speculation about Drogba's future at Chelsea, with Inter mentioned as a possible destination, but the former Marseille player insists the Champions League final is the only thing on his mind.
He said: “At the moment, the only thing I have on my mind is the final in Moscow.”