• Champions League

Drogba keen to seize second chance

Didier Drogba starred against Barcelona © Getty Images

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Didier Drogba believes Chelsea can win the Champions League and help him put the demons of 2008 to rest.

The Ivory Coast international performed admirably as lone striker for the Blues in Tuesday's semi-final second leg as they somehow overcame John Terry's first-half sending off at Camp Nou to dispense of Barcelona.

Chelsea are now a game away from the crown they came so close to winning four years ago when they lost on penalties to Manchester United. Drogba was sent off late in extra-time in the heartbreaking defeat in Moscow and he has set his sights on making amends on May 19.

"This is the second one," he said. "Let's see if we can win this one. I think it would be great for the club, for the fans.

"I heard them singing for another hour and I think, for them, we're going to do everything to win it. I think everybody deserves a second chance.

"I don't know if it's mine, but I think I've paid what I had to during this time, not winning the final - after that having a lot of criticism. But that's football, and I understand that. It just helped me to grow up a little bit more."

Drogba has often been painted as the pantomime villain during his time at Chelsea and it was no different in the ties with Barcelona. The Catalan side's supporters felt that he was feigning injury and welcomed him to Camp Nou with a chorus of whistles and jeers.

"I know some people don't like Chelsea but that's football," Drogba said. "You cannot be loved by everyone. Today, we're in the final. It's not revenge against anyone.

"I just do what I have to do for the club, for the team, and I'm really happy with the result. We need to have some belief. A final is 50-50."

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