Last Updated: 20th May 2012
DIDIER DROGBA last night hailed Chelsea’s Champions League triumph as “our destiny.”
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Drog scored a dramatic 88th-minute equaliser and the penalty shootout winner with what could be his last touch in a Blues shirt.
He said: “I believe in destiny and this was written a long time ago but we just didn’t know it. You have to pray and believe. I want to dedicate this to all the managers we had before and the players we have played with.
“My goal changed the game, mentally. I’m very happy.
“This is the Chelsea spirit. This is what we have been doing for years and years. We never give up.”
Drogba’s winning spot-kick is worth £72million to Chelsea — £47m for winning the trophy plus another £25m for qualifying for next year’s Champions League.
Owner Roman Abramovich who has invested £1BILLION in realising his Euro dream, was in tears as the players passed him the trophy.
Thomas Muller put Bayern ahead on 83 minutes but Drogba — who is out of contract this summer — equalised two minutes from time.
Petr Cech saved a penalty from former Blues team-mate Arjen Robben in extra time. And he kept out efforts by Ivica Olic and Bastian Schweinsteiger in the shootout.
Juan Mata also missed for Chelsea in the shootout but Drogba made up for that.
Chelsea’s caretaker boss Roberto Di Matteo, with the FA Cup already under his belt, has now won two trophies in less than three months in charge — yet might still not get the job full-time.
The Italian said: “We have a group of players with a big heart, passion, motivation and desire.
“That is the only way to be able to achieve this trophy. It’s been an immense effort from the whole group, staff, players. We are very happy.
“When Bayern scored there wasn’t much time left. Games like this you need players that rise to the occasion and we have a lot players like that.
“Didier has been incredible for the club, he scored a fantastic goal to keep us in the game and the winning penalty as well.
“It’s just been an incredible three months, intense, challenging, demanding.Now I just want to go out and celebrate with the players.”
Chelsea’s win means they qualify for next season’s Champions League as holders.
And Tottenham must make do with the Europa League despite finishing fourth in the Premier League.
Bayern boss Jupp Heynckes said: “We have to blame ourselves we missed so many chances.
“We played outstandingly well. Chelsea were the lucky team. It was a very bitter defeat.”
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