Chelsea defender Gary Cahill has publicly backed his team-mate, Diego Costa to fill the "big shoes" left behind by Didier Drogba with the Blues. Drogba said farewell to the Chelsea faithful for the second time on Sunday, during their 3-1 victory over Sunderland, and was met by a huge reception as he was replaced midway through the first-half by the Spanish forward.
The Ivorian, who previously left the club after scoring the winning penalty-kick in their tense UEFA Champions League final with Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich three years ago, was carried off the pitch by his team-mates in a touching tribute to a legendary forward who has totalled nine years in his two spells with the west London side.
Cahill had this to say: "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, 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 goal-scoring ratio has been phenomenal. He'll be a big player here and with Diego in the team you're a far better side."