Many people say that Didier Drogba is overpaid, overrated, and overestimated.  Others have argued that he is vain and does not deliver what he promises.  Saturday served to still many loose tongues as he went on to prove why he is considered a valuable, viable member of his team.

Chelsea’s win against Bayern Munich, a team heavily favored to win, was hard fought.  In a game worthy of the title ‘Battle of Champions’, the two teams fought hard to score goals.   Drogba scored a goal in the 88th minute of the game, tying the match, 1-1.   The match moved into the tense shootout phase, and it seemed that Bayern Munich were set to win.  Drogba stepped in to score the decisive goal (Youtube video) in the shootout to win the Champions League final, 4-3 on penalty kicks.

This may be Drogba’s final game as a Chelsea player, and if so, his swan song was beautiful, and well-delivered.

Here are some highlights from Drogba’s illustrious career:

2004-05: Drogba’s 16 goals help Chelsea win their first top-flight title in 50 years. He also scores the winner in the League Cup final.
2006-07: Becomes the first Chelsea player since Kerry Dixon to reach 30 goals in a season, including two in the League Cup final win over Arsenal and the winner in the FA Cup final against Manchester United. He is named African player of the year.
2007-08: Expresses a desire to leave Chelsea following the departure of Jose Mourinho, but later says he regrets the comments. Becomes leading scorer in League Cup finals with consolation goal in Chelsea’s loss to Tottenham. Involved in controversy over alleged elbow on Man Utd’s Nemanja Vidic and accusations of diving by then Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez. Sent off in the Champions League final, which Chelsea lose on penalties to Man Utd.
2008-09: Banned for three matches for throwing a coin into a section of Burnley fans during a Carling Cup defeat. Labels referee Tom Henning Ovrebo a “disgrace” during a foul-mouthed tirade to TV cameras after his side’s Champions League exit at the hands of Barcelona. Scores his sixth goal in major cup final as Chelsea beat Liverpool to win the FA Cup.
2009-10: Wins Golden Boot for his 29 goals that help Chelsea win the Premier League.
2010-11: Drogba contracts malaria, but makes full recovery. Named in Time magazine’s 100 most influential people for role in peace process in Ivory Coast.
2011-12: Scores his seventh goal at Wembley in FA Cup semi-final win and becomes first player to score in four FA Cup finals in win over Liverpool. Scores equaliser and winning penalty in the shoot-out as Chelsea beat Bayern Munich to win the Champions League.

Congratulations Chelsea!  You earned this one.