Didier Drogba has admitted that Chelsea team-mate Frank Lampard was right not to allow him to take the Blues' first penalty in their 8-0 win over Wigan Athletic that secured the Premier League title.
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Lampard converted the chance and, after eventually overcoming his disappointment, Drogba grabbed a second-half hat-trick — including a penalty generously handed to him by Lampard — that comprehensively secured him the top goalscorer award. Basking in the after-glow of a title success, the 32-year-old with 29 league goals to his name was willing to admit he had been wrong in his actions.
"Yeah, I understood [Lampard's decision] but at the same time I was disappointed because we were 1-0 up and I wanted to score, you know," Drogba told Sky Sports.
"I had to get over the frustration in the second half and come back. You know we played so well today that I knew for sure I would have some chances to score.
"You know I was not happy at first, but after that on the pitch I realized that I was making a big mistake and he was right. He was right."
Celebrating with his young family on the pitch, Drogba paid tribute to both the quality and work ethic of his title-winning team-mates, and also took the chance to hit back at those who have criticized the squad in recent times.
"We had some difficult seasons, and you know we played some good football and we'd showed it today again," Drogba said.
"The mental strength [was key]. Even when we were really not playing well, like the 20 minutes after the first goal today, we kept going and trying, and the motor was strong. The team is strong mentally.
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Lampard converted the chance and, after eventually overcoming his disappointment, Drogba grabbed a second-half hat-trick — including a penalty generously handed to him by Lampard — that comprehensively secured him the top goalscorer award. Basking in the after-glow of a title success, the 32-year-old with 29 league goals to his name was willing to admit he had been wrong in his actions.
"Yeah, I understood [Lampard's decision] but at the same time I was disappointed because we were 1-0 up and I wanted to score, you know," Drogba told Sky Sports.
"I had to get over the frustration in the second half and come back. You know we played so well today that I knew for sure I would have some chances to score.
"You know I was not happy at first, but after that on the pitch I realized that I was making a big mistake and he was right. He was right."
Celebrating with his young family on the pitch, Drogba paid tribute to both the quality and work ethic of his title-winning team-mates, and also took the chance to hit back at those who have criticized the squad in recent times.
"We had some difficult seasons, and you know we played some good football and we'd showed it today again," Drogba said.
"The mental strength [was key]. Even when we were really not playing well, like the 20 minutes after the first goal today, we kept going and trying, and the motor was strong. The team is strong mentally.
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For more news on England, visit Goal.com's England section and join Goal.com USA's Facebook fan page!