Petr Čech (Arsenal)
The most expensive goalkeeper in Chelsea’s history, a young Petr Čech displaced Carlo Cudicini much in a way he has been by Thibaut Courtois. Nevertheless Čech has written himself into the history books of the club having protected Chelsea’s goal in the title winning seasons of 2004-05, 2005-06 and 2009-10 as well in a number of cup successes including four FA Cups, three League Cups, the Europa League in 2012-13 and of course the Champions League. Indeed the giant Czech was crucial on that special night in Munich, pulling off a string of impressive saves to thwart Mario Gomez and co. More impressive was his save to deny former blue Arjen Robben from the penalty spot in extra time and two saves against Ivica Olić and Bastian Schweinsteiger in the deciding shoot-out. His transfer to London and perhaps title rivals Arsenal has split opinion amongst blues fans as to whether he has tarnished his reputation at Chelsea.
José Bosingwa (Trabzonspor)
The Portuguese international never convinced the Stamford Bridge faithful of his defensive qualities and was often prone to rash moments of madness. Yet despite such defensive frailties Bosingwa played an instrumental role in Chelsea’s road to European success. Away to Barcelona, leading 1-0 from the first leg, Bosingwa replaced the injured Gary Cahill after only 12 minutes, playing the majority of the match out of position at centre-back when John Terry saw red. As everyone will know Chelsea drew 2-2 per a late Fernando Torres goal with Bosingwa playing remarkably well in the heart of defence, arguably better than in his normal position. The right-back will also be less fondly remembered for clutching the Champions League trophy during the celebrations in Munich. After an underwhelming season at QPR, Bosingwa is now gearing up for his third season in Turkey with Trabzonspor.
Gary Cahill (Chelsea)
Set to be the last man remaining out of the starting XI, Cahill joined Chelsea from Bolton Wanderers in January 2012 for a fee rumoured to be in the region of £7 million and was to be given a baptism of fire in the Champions League, starting in the first leg of the semi-final at home to Barcelona. Cahill made the transition to the pinnacle of tournament football with relative ease and made a number of crucial blocks to prevent a certain Lionel Messi. The second leg unfortunately saw Cahill forced off with just twelve minutes on the clock due to a hamstring injury. But with both Ivanović and Terry suspended, Cahill started the final after training just once since the injury. Like the rest of the back four, Cahill performed exceptionally on the night and despite recent criticism remains a serial winner having won nearly all that is possible at Chelsea.
David Luiz (PSG)
Perhaps not worthy of the world-record transfer fee (for a defender) PSG spent to take the Brazilian international from Chelsea, David Luiz was certainly something of a fan favourite during his three years at the club. Indeed the ex-Benfica man was renowned for his extravagance on and off the pitch along with his passion for the game. Such passion and commitment was evident in the final as Luiz ignored the advice of Chelsea’s medical department to play alongside Gary Cahill in the centre of defence that night. Recalling the build-up to the match David Luiz said the following to Jason Palmer (still head physiotherapist) per The Telegraph: “I will do the test but even if I fail you go to [the then manager Roberto] Di Matteo and say to him that I play tomorrow. He said ‘no’. I said: You go there and you say to him, if not, I kill you.” Luiz went on to play the full 120 minutes and scored one of Chelsea’s four winning penalties. As a result the defender is now left with a deep indentation in his right leg that he will carry with him for the rest of his career and life.
Ashley Cole (A.S. Roma)
Widely considered as the best left back in the world for a substantial period of his career, Ashley Cole made the controversial switch from Arsenal to Chelsea and has not looked back since. Capped over 100 times for England, Cole went onto win a Premier League title, four FA cups, one League Cup, the Europa League and of course the Champions League during his time at the Bridge. Once irreplaceable in Mourinho’s starting XI, Cole found himself on the bench to César Azpilicueta after the Special One’s homecoming and opted to move abroad unlike many of his fellow professionals in England. Surprisingly the once-hailed full back has found minutes few and far between at Roma, with Rudi García preferring Greek international, José Holebas. Could a move to England be on the cards?
John Obi Mikel (Chelsea – set to join Al Ain FC)
Now at the age of 28, it seems Mikel is finally ready to depart after nearly ten years at Chelsea. The Nigerian midfielder completed one of the most controversial transfers in Premier League history. Mikel had agreed a contract to Manchester United and had even been presented with no. 21 shirt at a press conference. Yet to the amazement of Sir Alex Ferguson, Mikel claimed to have been rushed into signing the contract without his agent present and thus wanted to join Chelsea instead. FIFA dismissed Manchester United’s official complaint against Mikel’s agent, John Shittu and the behavior of Chelsea and ordered Mikel to see out his contract with Lyn Oslo of Norway. In the end however Chelsea negotiated an agreement between Lyn Oslo and Manchester United and purchased the player for £16 million, twelve of which went to Manchester. Unfortunately Mikel never justified the lengthy process and effort that the two Premier League giants went to sign him but remains one of Chelsea’s most loyal servants of recent times.
Frank Lampard (New York City FC)
One of the best ever players in Chelsea’s history and captain on the night, Lampard will live long in the memory both inside and out of Stamford Bridge. Indeed Lampard is undoubtedly one of the best midfielders of his generation and possessed a unique ability to score frequent goals from midfield. The Romford-born man is Chelsea’s all-time leading goal scorer with 211 goals, surpassing the record once held by Bobby Tambling. Moreover the list of honours to his name is endless, from coming second in the Ballon d’Or in 2005, to countless team of the year inclusions in England and Europe as well as earning an OBE for his sporting services. Similarly to Čech, Lampard has come under criticism from a section of Chelsea fans for joining title rivals, Manchester City. Now the iconic midfielder is set to feature for newly formed New York City FC alongside David Villa.
Salomon Kalou (Hertha BSC)
Sporting a spider shaven on the back of his head during the final, Kalou left Chelsea a Champions League winner amongst a number of other honours held by the Ivorian. Able to play as both a winger and striker, the forward joined Chelsea from Feyenoord for an undisclosed fee, believed to be approximately £9 million. Hardworking and versatile Kalou went onto make a total of 156 appearances, although never replicated his prolific form in Holland scoring just 36 goals in his six years at Chelsea. Like a number of players, Kalou’s involvement in the final was his last in a Chelsea shirt and the subsequent transfer window saw him sign for Lille on a free transfer where he enjoyed two successful years in France, scoring 30 goals in 67 outings. Now the 29-year-old is preparing for his second season in the Bundesliga with Hertha Berlin.
Juan Mata (Manchester United)
Like many Chelsea fans one cannot help but feel that Juan Mata had so much more to give before being effectively frozen out by José Mourinho. On the ball the ex-Real Madrid B and Valencia player exudes class and intelligence as well as a wand of a left foot. His vision and ability to see what others simply cannot, led to an impressive record of 38 assists during his relatively short rime at Chelsea. In fact it was Mata’s corner that provided Didier Drogba the service to header Chelsea level on the night and send the tie to extra time and penalties. Once more despite missing his penalty on the night, the diminutive Spaniard also had an eye for goal with many proving rather spectacular, registering 24 goals for Chelsea.
Ryan Bertrand (Southampton)
Unbelievably, Bertrand’s start in the final was his debut in the Champions League, making him the first player of the modern era to make his debut in the competition in the final itself. Lining up just ahead of Ashley Cole against the Flying Dutchman in Arjen Robben and Germany captain Philipp Lahm, Bertrand showed no signs of nerves suggesting he felt he belonged at such a level. He received words of wisdom and praise throughout his time on the pitch from Cole and it seemed as though Chelsea may have found an heir for their aging left back. However after nine loan spells away from the Bridge Bertrand decided to move to the South Coast in a £10 million transfer. The move benefited both parties and Bertrand has since thrived with the opportunity to play regular football at Southampton, earning himself a recall into the England senior team.
Didier Drogba (Free Agent)
The irrefutable hero on the night and the man for the big occasion, Didier Drogba has now all but ended his love affair with the club as a player but the offer remains for him to start his coaching career with Chelsea. Such an opportunity is the least Abramovich and the board can do for the Ivory Coast talisman. Drogba’s goals proved invaluable in Chelsea’s successful Champions League campaign, scoring crucial goals against Napoli, Barcelona and of course Bayern Munich prompting long-term rival Sir Alex Ferguson to say the following: “As far as I was concerned, he [Drogba] won the Champions League for Chelsea.” Therefore it came as no surprise that in November of 2012 Drogba was named Chelsea’s greatest ever player in a poll of 20,000 fans conducted by Chelsea Magazine.
Following Chelsea’s European success Drogba enjoyed a brief spell in China with Shanghai Shenhua before spending a season in Galatasaray where he captured the Süper Lig, the Turkish Cup and the Turkish Super Cup. Last season saw the two time African footballer of the year return to Chelsea, winning yet another League Cup and League Title. Now the King will be seeking a new club after ruling out a return to Marseille, with the striker strongly linked with a move to the MLS.
SUBS
Ross Turnbull (Barnsley F.C.) – A somewhat forgettable face on the bench, Turnbull joins an illustrious list to own a Champions League Winners medal. Now in his third spell at Oakwell.
Paulo Ferreira (Retired) – A loyal servant and true professional who always performed proficiently when called upon. Ended his playing days at Chelsea after joining Mourinho from Porto in 2004 for €20 million.
Michael Essien (Panathinaikos) – Arguably the best in his position at his peak, only to succumb to injury and age. Now enjoying a stint in Greece following spells at Real Madrid and AC Milan.
Oriol Romeu (Chelsea) – Returned to Chelsea following loan spells at Valencia & Stuttgart. Has expressed a desire to move permanently as he seeks regular first team football.
Florent Malouda (FC Metz) – Things ended rather sourly between the club and player with the Florent banished to the reserves. Departed with a classy letter to staff and fans.
Fernando Torres (Atlético Madrid) – The once mercurial forward never hit the heights of previous years. Still boasts a vast array of trophies for both club & country.
Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool) – The England man will say he never got his chance as Chelsea’s no.9 despite impressing on loan at Bolton. Has established himself as one of the Premier League’s leading strikers on Merseyside.
