[Published: Thursday March 20 2014]
Drogba still one of world's best strikers - Mourinho
London - Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho believes Didier Drogba is still one of the best strikers in the world. Drogba, who left the Blues in June 2012, returns to London for Tuesday's Champions League game between his old club and Galatasaray. "Is he the same player at 36 years old as he was at 26?" asked Mourinho. "Nobody is, but he is certainly still one of the best strikers in the world." The last-16 tie is finely poised after a 1-1 first-leg draw in Istanbul. Drogba said he may not celebrate if he scores against his former team-mates. The Ivory Coast striker netted 157 goals in 342 appearances during an eight-year spell at Stamford Bridge. With his last kick for the club, he tucked away the decisive spot-kick in the penalty shoot-out at the end of the 2012 Champions League final against Bayern Munich. Mourinho, who signed Drogba for Chelsea from Marseille in 2004, was given a rousing ovation when he made his return to the Blues dugout in August after a near six-year absence and hopes the Ivorian will experience similar acclaim. He added: "He is undoubtedly one of the most important players in the history of the club. All Chelsea supporters, we agree with that." (ANA)
FA/ANA/20 March 2014---------
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