Drogba: The combination of inspiration and planning, the double score against Newcastle United in the UEFA Cup semi-finals is the pinnacle of Marseille s career

In the second leg of the 2004 UEFA Cup semi-finals against Newcastle United, legendary star Didier Drogba, who was still playing in Marseille at the time, scored twice, helping the team reach the European finals for the fourth time. This game established the Ivorian's legendary status among the French giants. Ahead of Marseille's Champions League match against Newcastle United, Drogba reflected on that game.

The wonderful memories of that game

These memories are eternal. I watched a video of that game not long ago and it still has a huge impact on me, even more than twenty years later. I'm delighted to see Marseille return to the Champions League, especially to face Newcastle again.

On whether that game was the pinnacle of my Marseille career

Yes, I think it was the pinnacle of my Marseille career. I don’t know how to describe that moment, it was a combination of inspiration and pre-match planning. In fact, everything I envisioned came true that day. In fact, I would even say I was on track to score a hat-trick, but I was exhausted. I tried a breakthrough in the 88th minute (started from the sideline, passed three players, but was saved by the opponent's goalkeeper Ji Wen). If the goal had been scored, it would have been an even more incredible scene.

About the reaction of Marseille at home

The whole audience was excited! I felt the first goal lit up the game and our second goal put us in the European finals. We tried it once, but everything just happened naturally that day. If it wasn't God's will, I don't know how to explain it.

About my memories of that season

My first Champions League goal was scored at the Bernabeu (against Real Madrid on September 16, 2003). For someone who once could only watch games on television, this is incredible. Then came the home game against Partizan Belgrade, where I scored a hat-trick. I also scored twice against Nice that week and then scored a hat-trick in the Champions League and then another against Bastia and I think that was the start of what was called ‘Drogbamania’ and it was unforgettable. Even with my sweater on, I still get goosebumps!