Striker ‘has to’ return to Stamford Bridge says Mourinho.
Jose Mourinho says Didier Drogba must return to Chelsea and has hinted at a summer move for the Galatasaray forward.
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Drogba will return to Stamford Bridge as a Galatasaray player for the Champions League last-16 second leg on Tuesday.
The 36-year-old, who spent eight years in West London, and won the Blues the trophy with his lack kick for the club in 2012 is expected to receieve a stunning ovation, but Mourinho thinks the Ivorian should return for good in the near future.
“He is a Galatasaray player, we know he is a free agent and we know he finishes his contract at the end of the season,” Mourinho told Sky Sports.
“But we think it is not the right moment to speak about him.
“I think it has to happen one day. When, I don’t know – as a player, as a coach, as an ambassador – next year, in four or five years, in 10 years – I don’t know.
“But when a person represents so much to a club and when a club represents so much to a person – and that’s the case – I think he has to be back one day.
“Undoubtedly he is one of the most important players in the history of this club – that is not a doubt. I think all Chelsea supporters we agree with that.
“We don’t say the most important one because that is not fair for other people that were in the same level and in the same generation, but for sure we all agree one of the most important players in the history of our club.
“Is he the same player at 36 that he was at 26? I think nobody is, but he is one of the best strikers in the world that’s for sure.”
Chelsea drew 1-1 with Galatasaray in Turkey and remain favourites to progress to the quarter-finals.