Perhaps the last thing any defender wanted to see was Didier Drogba in his prime years charging towards goal.
There was little the Ivorian would stop for in his pursuit of victory and that hunger - in tandem with his astounding skill-set as a striker - was key to his success. It's how he firmly established his legacy as one of the greatest strikers the Premier League has ever seen.
Fortunately for many, Drogba channelled much of his drive and passion into his football. But on one occasion, specifically in a Champions League final against Manchester United, things nearly turned ugly and the ex-Chelsea superstar later admitted that he wished he had punched a Red Devils' icon.
Vidic: 'Drogba Wanted to Punch Me'
The former Blues man wished he had
It's not uncommon for disagreements to turn physical in tense situations such as in European finals, especially when the likes of Nemanja Vidic and Drogba are both representing opposing sides.
During the 2008 Champions League final between Manchester United and Chelsea, tensions were heightened as the match entered extra time with both sides unable to change a 1-1 scoreline.
The Blues were reduced to ten men after Drogba lashed out at Vidic and saw red for a slap on the side of the Serbian's face, but the striker admitted he may as well have taken the more violent option if he were to be sent off anyway.
"I have seen the match on video and I believe I should not have been sent off with three minutes to go.
"If I had punched him, I would have understood. Now I wish I had."
Thinking back to that day in Moscow, Vidic offered his perspective of the story during an interview with The Athletic.
“Drogba wanted to punch me during the game.
“At first I was thinking: ‘What is he doing?’ Then I went towards him. I was stupid, so was he. He was sent off."
Indeed, with just minutes of football remaining before the final whistle, Chelsea managed to force a penalty shoot-out, but missed spot-kicks from John Terry and Nicholas Anelka meant Manchester United ultimately won the game and added a third Champions League title to their trophy cabinet.
Vidic revealed that his altercation with Drogba was later resolved when the duo met in the 2018 World Cup and ensured differences were placed aside.
"I saw him again in Moscow 10 years later during the World Cup," he continued.
"We shook hands and said hello. I respect him as a footballer and man.
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Drogba Repaid Fans After 2008 Loss
He cemented his legacy as a Chelsea legend
Drogba took pride in his performances during finals - after all, he is one of the most clutch footballers in the sport's history. That is particularly why he was kicking himself after the Champions League final loss:
"You have a lot of regrets when you go to the final and lose it. I have more regrets about losing the final than being sent off.
"Some Chelsea fans blame me for losing. I can take it but I think I gave my best, as I always do, because I want to be No.1. Sometimes I want that too much.
"I apologised to my friends. People can make mistakes."
Exactly four years on from the night in Moskow, Drogba proved his worth by delivering one of the most memorable nights ever for Blues' fans. He earned his crowning moment in the 2012 Champions League final after netting a late equaliser against Bayern Munich and there was no controversy this time round - just composure, as the Ivory Coast talisman slotted the deciding penalty in the shootout to win European glory for Chelsea.
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Statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt.com - Correct as of 03/06/2025