• Premier League

I'm lucky to be here - Drogba

Didier Drogba's Chelsea team-mates show their concern as the striker receives treatment © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Ancelotti eyes return to Premier League
  
• News: Drogba set to make return for Chelsea
  
• News: Chelsea confirm Drogba to leave hospital
  
• Profile: Didier Drogba

Didier Drogba says he feels 'lucky to still be alive' after being knocked unconscious for eight minutes following a collision with Norwich keeper John Ruddy.

Drogba was accidentally punched in the side of the head as Ruddy came to deal with a cross during Chelsea's 3-1 victory over Norwich on August 27. The clash left the Ivorian out cold on the floor and, following lengthy treatment, the striker was rushed to hospital - a sequence of events that Drogba remembers little about.

"When I woke up in the ambulance I was scared because I didn't know what I was doing there," he told the Sun. "I couldn't remember anything from after Norwich equalised until I was being rushed to hospital. I didn't know what was going on.

"It was a weird feeling and a difficult moment. I understand now what it must be like for a boxer when they are knocked out. But I'm really grateful to everyone who helped me, the stadium staff and the medics who calmed me down. They told me I'd been unconscious for between six and eight minutes."

The 33-year-old, one of the most physical players in the Premier League, has had time to reflect on the incident, admitting he found the images "scary".

"When I saw the images I really understood why my parents, my family and close friends were very worried because it's not something you see every weekend," he said. "I had friends at the ground but my parents were back at home in France and were watching the game live so you can imagine how worrying it was for them.

"They always watch my games and they weren't nice images for them to see. I've had some injuries before -- I've broken my leg and arm but this was worse. While I was recovering at home I was looking at the replays and realising how dangerous it was. It's scary.

"I was pleased my three kids weren't there at the ground. They usually go to the game but they were still on holiday. I spoke to them later and told them it would be OK."

Drogba, who has spoken to Ruddy since the accident, admits that Petr Cech's injury sustained five years ago against Reading is still fresh in the memory and the club's medical team have taken precautionary measures to ensure he is not rushed back before he is ready.

"I had concussion and a perforated ear drum which is why I needed time. I was feeling dizzy and needed to wait for my ear to heal," he said. "I couldn't cope with any noise, it was too noisy in my head and I wasn't allowed to fly because it was too dangerous.

"Not playing was frustrating, but I was lucky I was still alive and I knew it was only a question of time and I'd play football again. Petr had a head injury and it had an effect on him.

"Maybe I will always think about what happened but the doctors have given me the green light to play on and I know I'm ready to start again. When a cross comes in again I will still be attacking it. I've been fine in training, I'm heading the ball and doing everything like I did before."

After being an unused substitute in the midweek Carling Cup clash against Fulham, Drogba is in contention to feature against Swansea on Saturday. And the 33-year-old has dismissed suggestions his partnership with Fernando Torres cannot fire Chelsea up the table.

He said: "It's like the season starts again for me. I'm looking forward to it. I can play with any other striker it really doesn't matter. I've played with [Hernan] Crespo, [Eidur] Gudjohnsen, Sheva [Andriy Shevchenko], Nico [Nicolas Anelka] so it can work with Fernando Torres. People are trying to make a debate on this and I think we can play together. We know we can do it because it works in training.

"Even though we lost 3-1 at United last week we could have got a draw after the way we played in the second half. They are in good form but they have some weaknesses as well. We are third in the table and can close the gap on them. We believe in ourselves."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.