Chelsea defender Gary Cahill believes that Diego Costa has it in him to be as good as Didier Drogba for the Blues in the coming seasons.
Drogba, who arrived at Stamford Bridge last summer for his second stint with the west London outfit, has announced his departure from the club due to a lack of adequate playing time. During the course of his two spells with the Pensioners, the Ivorian has been a decisive marksman for the club.
Known for his knack of scoring goals in important games, Drogba leaves Chelsea with 164 goals and 88 assists from his 381 appearances.
Costa also landed at Stamford Bridge from Atletico Madrid last summer and in his inaugural season in English football, he has gone on to score 20 league goals to help Chelsea win their first title in five years.
And Cahill feels that even though Drogba will be sorely missed, the Blues have an able replacement in Costa to lead their attack.
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“I know it’s the second time Didier’s been here but obviously it’s sad that he’s played his last game for the club”, the defender told his club’s site.
“He said a few words before we left the hotel, it was only brief but it was good.
“I’m sure one day we’ll see him back at the club, I don’t think he’s gone forever but probably from a playing point of view that was his last game.
“They’re big shoes to fill but Diego couldn’t have started his Chelsea career any better. He’s had a couple of injuries but nevertheless his goalscoring ratio has been phenomenal.
“He’ll be a big player here and with Diego in the team you’re a far better side.”
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