Didier’s father Albert Drogba was not in shock on Tuesday when he heard from Abidjan that his illustrious son had parted ways with Chelsea. He said it was the right time for the former Marseille ace to leave after seven seasons at the London outfit.
“He called me on Monday night and told me he was going to make his decision official. I didn’t object or encourage him. I asked him to do what he feels would be best for his career,” Albert Drogba told reporters at the Ivorian FA headquarters in Abidjan on Tuesday.
“Personally, I feel the time was ripe for him to leave. He grew up in his career with Chelsea. He gave his all to the club and the club also helped him all round. I think he has decided very well and I want to thank the club officials for all what they have done for my son.”
The 65-year-old father said he declined an invitation to Munich and instead watched the final at home in Abidjan because he did not want to miss the celebrations with his countrymen at the end of the clash.
“I sat in my lounge, in front of my telly, without fear or tension. I called Didier on the eve and prayed for him and told him to be strong-willed that this final would not be like the Cote d’Ivoire-Zambia’s in the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.
“When he equalised near the end of the game I remained calm. I didn’t jump to my feet because I knew the battle wasn’t over. And when he caused that penalty people around me broke down in tears but I focused on the screen, feeling something good would come forth.
“And then while he was stepping out to take the final spot kick it was like life and death. I close my eyes, opened them and said: ‘Do it son, do this for me, even for the last time’ and he did it, glory be to God,” he said.
Drogba’s dad also revealed that his son told him he would now focus on the 2013 Afcon, and that he was still confused about the choice of his next destination, because so many proposals were on the table.