At the right hand corner of the Shed End as you look from the pitch at Stamford Bridge, there is a bright orange banner.
It bears the phrase “Drogba Legend” and shows an image of the Ivorian forward’s head.
That’s what Drogba still means to Chelsea fans, who remember his eight years at the cub, in which he won three league titles, four FA Cups, two League Cups and a Champions League.
His last kick for the club was the decisive penalty in the shoot-out in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich in 2012.
On Tuesday he returns to Stamford Bridge with Galatasaray a little apprehensive of the reaction ahead.
“First of all I was happy to play against my ex—club, against my friends,” he told the UEFA website. “But at the same time it is a very special moment because I do not know what my reaction will be.
“You know that I spent eight years at Chelsea, so I really don’t know, I am quite apprehensive about it.
“It’s the club where I experienced everything. It allowed me to get closer to the best players in the world.” Drogba is determined, though, to ensure his present club make it through to the quarterfinals. “I hope that Galatasaray qualify,” he said.
“It will be difficult, but I think that regarding the welcome, I think I’m allowed to say that I will receive a warm welcome, because I know Chelsea’s fans and our relationship is really special.
“It will be great to see them again; I am looking forward to it.”
“To face Drogba, I know that is difficult and it’s a strange feeling, I have to admit that,” Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho said.
