Gary
Cahill has backed Diego Costa to fill the “big shoes” left behind by Didier
Drogba at Chelsea.
Drogba said farewell to the Blues for a second time on Sunday as Jose
Mourino’s side capped their Premier League title celebrations with a 3-1 win
over Sunderland at Stamford Bridge.
The Ivorian, who previously left the club after helping win the Champions
League with the decisive spot-kick in 2012, was carried off the pitch by his
team-mates after two spells totalling nine years in west London.
It has been an emotional goodbye and a move borne out of the Ivorian's
desire to give youth a chance, with centre-back Cahill confident they have
just the man to replace him in Costa.
The 26-year-old's first season at Stamford Bridge has been injury-disrupted,
but his 21-goal haul has highlighted what a fine striker they have on their
hands.
"I know it's the second time Didier's been here but obviously it's sad that
he's played his last game for the club," said Cahill.
"He said a few words before we left the hotel, it was only brief but it was
good.
"I'm sure one day we'll see him back at the club. I don't think he's gone
forever but probably from a playing point of view that was his last game.
"They're big shoes to fill but Diego couldn't have started his Chelsea
career any better.
"He's had a couple of injuries but nevertheless his goalscoring ratio has
been phenomenal.
"He'll be a big player here and with Diego in the team you're a far better
side."
Costa will no doubt have an integral role to play if Chelsea are to retain
the title next season.
Jose Mourinho's men comfortably won the championship, but the Blues manager
has already hammered home the difficulties they face next season.
"He's told us it will be a lot harder to win it next season, he's drilling
that into us and as players that's a good thing," Cahill added on the club's
official website, www.chelseafc.com.
"It's important for us to take his advice as someone who's been there and
done it and no doubt it will be tough because teams always want to beat you
when you're champions, like Man City have found this season.
"You don't need to be told it's hard. I know how hard it's been this season,
even though we've been at the top all the way through.
"I'm sure other teams will strengthen in the summer and that will make it
even harder for us.”
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