G - Gigi Salmon
Gigi Salmon is a veteran Chelsea TV reporter and has been with the channel since its launch in 2001. As one of the only regular female anchors and reporters for CTV, Gigi has the ability to hold her own amongst the males that dominate the club.From her on-air antics with Frank Sinclair and Jason Cundy (“Geeeeeg!”) to being a bad-ass, Gigi Salmon is everything a woman should be - smart, classy, elegant and always has the upper-hand.
E - (Michael) Essien v. Barcelona, 2009
Ghanian international Michael Essien signed for Chelsea in 2005, who’s transfer fee topped that of Drogba the year before, making him the most expensive signing in CFC’s history. A box-to-box midfielder who is capable of many roles, Essien has been an integral part of the Chelsea midfield since he signed. A fan favorite, Essien was the first African footballer to receive the Chelsea Player of the Year Award in 2007. In addition, he has been nominated for the Ballon d’Or three times in a row, as well as a nomination for FIFA World Player of the Year in 2007.
My personal favorite Michael Essien moment was his goal against Barcelona in 2009. On the volley, Michael Essien struck from outside the box and thundered home one of the most amazing goals Stamford Bridge has ever laid eyes upon. Although that tie was lost (rather controversially, as we all know), it was voted Goal of the Season.
D - Didier Drogba
Ivorian international Didier Drogba signed for Chelsea in 2004. He is the first African player to score 100 EPL goals, has scored 34 European goals, 12 FA Cup goals, and 9 League Cup goals. He is the first player ever to score four goals in four FA Cup finals. He has scored eight goals in eight games at Wembley Stadium as well, cementing him as the King of Wembley. His final goal for Chelsea came during the 2012 UEFA Champions League Final, where he scored on a header from Juan Mata’s corner in the 88th minute, forcing play into extra time (and ultimately penalties). His last ever kick for the club came during the penalty shoot out. Drogba was last to kick, and if he netted, Chelsea would be Champions of Europe for the first time.The rest is history.
Didier Drogba and Chelsea Football Club announced on May 22 that he would leave the club after his contract expires in June.
As fans, we sincerely thank and admire all Didier Drogba has done both on and off the pitch. An amazing and formidable striker, but an even more amazing man.
I have my doubts about Hazard. His attitude and posture worries me greatly. Personally I don’t want him. However, if and when he signs for Chelsea. From that point on he’s a blue and I’ll support him until he gives me a reason otherwise.
B - Barcelona
Chelsea FC first faced Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League in 2000. Current managers Pep Guardiola and Roberto Di Matteo played for their respective clubs over the two legged draw. Barcelona won 6-4 on aggregate.
Didier Drogba was sent off in 2005, as was Asier del Horno in 2006. Chelsea bowed out of the competition in both years. Chelsea also won their group after drawing with Barcelona in October 2006.
2009 is a year engraved in every Chelsea fans memory - a nil-nil draw at the Nou Camp brought the tie back home to London. A wonder strike from Michael Essien, and the blues were up 1-0. The remainder of the match saw several penalties denied, including a clear handball in the box by Pique. Michael Ballack chased the referee, Ovrebo, around, screaming for the obvious. Andres Iniesta scored in stoppage time, putting Barca through on away goals. We all know what Drogba screamed at the end.
In 2012, Barcelona and Chelsea were drawn in a two-legged semi-final. The first match at Stamford Bridge saw Barcelona maintain outstanding levels of possession. Fudged chances by Fabregas and Sanchez found Barcelona goalless. A wonder ball from Lampard, to Ramires, to Drogba put the blues at 1-0 on the night.
At the Camp Nou, a simple strike from Busquets after wave after wave of attack gave Barca the lead. John Terry was sent off minutes later, and a goal by Iniesta followed shortly. Down by two and with only 10 men, Chelsea only needed one goal to advance. Ramires elegantly and brilliantly chipped a pass from Lampard over Valdes right before half time. The second half saw Barcelona push against the wall that Chelsea formed at the back. Drogba tripped Fabregas in the box, and a penalty was awarded. Messi hit the post. Somehow, Chelsea is alive. In the 91st minute, Fernando Torres lopes the ball downfield, leaps over Valdes and simply nets the ball. Chelsea were through to the final 3-2 on aggregate.
The official record between Chelsea versus Barcelona is as follows: Played - 10, CFC W - 3, FCB W - 2, CFC L - 2, FCB L - 3, Draws 5
C - Celery
According to legend, the celery chant (and subsequent throwing) started in the 1980’s. Spectators in the Shed End would routinely throw celery plants at opposition players. In 2007, a ban on celery was imposed by the club after the Carling Cup Final against Arsenal. Cesc Fabregas was pelted with celery by Chelsea supporters, and the match was stopped to clear celery from the pitch.During the 2012 Champions League Final celebration parade, the players were hit with celery from supporters on the streets. CTV reporter Neil Barnett proclaimed “And the good news is, the British economy has just improved due to the sales of celery!”
A - Abramovich
Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich purchased Chelsea Football Club in 2003. Large sums of money were poured into the club, allowing record transfer fee purchases of players like Andriy Shevchenko and Fernando Torres. Over the last nine years Chelsea has won nine trophies - the UEFA Champions League, three Premier Leagues, four FA Cups and two League Cups. Known for his love of football and unpredictable attitude, Abramovich has sealed a place in Chelsea history forever.
