The Turkish classic may have ended in a 0-0 draw, but it hasn’t gone unnoticed. Galatasaray has called for a criminal process against Jose Mourinho, citing “racist statements” made by the Portuguese coach. However, Didier Drogba has come to Mourinho’s defense, taking to social media to vouch for his character.
Drogba’s response is quite emphatic, saying, “Believe me when I tell you that I have known Mourinho for 25 years and he is not racist.” He goes on to add, “We all know how exciting and heated rivalries can be, and the story – past and recent – is there to prove it. Let’s focus on our games, support our brilliant lions, and win the league to approach our 5 stars.” His message ends with a rhetorical question, “How can my ‘dad’ be racist?” accompanied by a shrugging emoticon.
Mourinho and Drogba’s History Together at Chelsea
Mourinho and Drogba have a history that spans four seasons, divided into two different periods, when they were both at Chelsea. It was during this time that Mourinho, often referred to as ‘The Special One’, requested Drogba’s transfer to the Blue team, which cost them 38.5 million euros.
Their first stint together lasted three seasons, from 2004-5 to the beginning of 2007-8, when Mourinho left for Inter Milan. During this period, Drogba proved himself to be a valuable asset, scoring 65 goals and helping the team secure two Premier League championships.
The duo reunited at Chelsea in the 2014-15 season, and their partnership yielded another League title. This legacy they’ve built together is a testament to their professional relationship and mutual respect, which Drogba is now drawing upon to defend Mourinho against allegations of racism.
