Cech Salutes Old Friend Drogba  (Sky Sports)

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech says there is a special bond between himself and striker Didier Drogba.

The totemic Ivory Coast striker Drogba was honoured by the Football Writers' Association at a dinner in London on Sunday evening for his outstanding contribution to the sport.

Both players moved to Stamford Bridge from French clubs in 2004 - Drogba joined from Marseille, Cech from Stade Rennes – and their respective Chelsea journeys culminated in the 2012 Champions League final in Munich when they became heroes at either end of the pitch.

Drogba went on to play in China and Turkey before returning to the Bridge on a one-year deal this season – and Cech was delighted to see his old team-mate back in the fold.

"Didier is definitely special because he's been here in the time when we (Chelsea) had the most success," Cech said.

"He scored important goals in the big games, small games, and he's been ever present so I think that him coming back has been great news for everyone and he is showing his worth.

"It's never easy when you try to come back and turn back time. I think that we are in a completely different situation now, and we try, obviously, to replicate what we've done in the past and keep winning titles, keep winning trophies.

"When you've known someone for such a long time... when you've been playing with him for a long time... the relationship is different than when you have someone you get to know for a few weeks.

"We went through the bad times, the good times, and we always managed to find a way to have success so I think it's something we have in common.

"That's a great memory for all of us, Chelsea supporters and everybody involved in Chelsea Football Club, because it was the best trophy we've won in the history of the club.

"When you win something for the first time it is special and winning the Champions League anyway is special. It had been our aim for years, ever since I came to the club.”