Albert Drogba: The time was right for my son to leave Chelsea

May 23, 2012 8:45:00 AM

The striker's father fully supports the player’s decision to quit the Blues after their historic Champions League victory against Bayern Munich

The father of Didier Drogba, Albert, was not surprised to learn that his illustrious son had parted ways with Chelsea, believing it is the right time for the former Marseille ace to leave after seven seasons with 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,” Drogba senior told reporters at the Ivorian FA headquarters in Abidjan.

“Personally, I feel the time was right 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. I think he has decided very well and I want to thank the club officials for all that they have done for my son.”

The 65-year-old said he declined an invitation to Munich and instead watched the Champions League final at home 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 television, without fear or tension. I called Didier on the eve [of the match] and prayed for him and told him to be strong-willed and that this final would not be like the Cote d’Ivoire's against Zambia in the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations [where Didier missed a penalty as his side lost].

“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 [conceded] 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 up 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 African Cup of Nations, and that he was still confused about the choice of his next destination, because so many proposals were on the table.