Didier Drogba, one of Chelsea’s greatest ever players, once confessed he was “disgusted” to sign for the club. Despite leading them to four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, the Champions League and three League Cups, the iconic striker wasn’t initially thrilled about joining the Blues.
Jose Mourinho famously chose Drogba over Ronaldinho, persuading billionaire Roman Abramovich to sign the Ivory Coast star from Marseille in 2005. But while Mourinho was excited about the signing, Drogba was less than enthusiastic.
The striker was happy at Marseille and didn’t want to leave. However, when a £24million offer came in, he found himself heading to West London for a medical. His desire to stay in France was so strong that he went to great lengths to try and remain at the club.
“I was disgusted. I realised that signing for Chelsea was disgusting. It’s hard to explain,” he said in a 2007 documentary called ‘The Incredible Destiny of Didier Drogba’ in quotes carried by Daily Star Sport.
“It’s hard to understand because most of all, people see the financial side, or even the sporting side. But I simply wasn’t happy I said to myself ‘I couldn’t give a damn’ (that Marseille have accepted a bid). Maybe that’s going to shock supporters of Chelsea, but I didn’t want to leave.
“I even did some things that were almost absurd, in order not to go to Chelsea, such as during the medical. Going to the hospital in Paris, I was praying they would find a problem with my knee, or a problem with anything so the move would collapse.”
Despite his initial reluctance, Drogba eventually became one of Chelsea’s most celebrated players. His name is still proudly displayed on an orange banner at Stamford Bridge.
After winning the Champions League in 2012 and moving to Shanghai Shenhua, Mourinho brought Drogba back to Chelsea in 2014. In just one season, he helped the team secure another Premier League title and a League Cup.
