Former Chelsea defender Ashley Cole described Didier Drogba's late equaliser against Bayern Munich as a 'blur' in the Champions League final, eight years ago.
The Blues reached the final in Munich after a hard-fought two-legged tie with Barcelona in the semi-finals. They faced a tough Bayern side, who had a fortunate home advantage, with the likes of Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery and Bastain Schweinsteiger amongst their ranks.
After Thomas Muller scored for Bayern in the 83rd minute, Drogba equalised minutes before final whistle to take the match to extra time and Cole recalled the whole moment as a 'blur' as he relived the infamous night.
'The Drogba goal was a blur really,' Cole told Football Journalism at the University of Derby.
'I was physically and mentally drained but after the goal went in I was ready to go again and knew we would win.'
After a gruelling extra-time period the final went to penalties where the Chelsea players tried to keep their nerve in front of a hostile crowd.
After Juan Mata missed the Blues first spot kick, David Luiz, Frank Lampard and Cole stepped up and found the net to leave the fate of the final on Drogba's penalty.
Cole said it was a 'hard' moment as the striker stepped up but the celebrations afterwards 'will never be forgotten'.
'Putting a feeling of my whole career on one man was hard,' he added.
'But, to share making history with Chelsea, the fans and my family is an experience that will never be forgotten.'
Cole, who was 31 years old at the time, believed that night in Munich was the last chance to get his hands on the Champions League trophy. He admitted: 'When Muller scored, I thought it was over and my last chance had gone.'
The former England international revealed that one of his greatest ambitions was to earn European glory, after watching many of the world's best stars win the competition.
'It was something I've walked past and saw other teams celebrating with and that stuck with me throughout my football career,' Cole added.
'So, to finally hold it and join some elite players who have won it was amazing. It was everything.'
nukaelmnz
519
The day I will never forget in my life, I got married that day to, it was double for me. congrats Blues you put joy in our face.
Handsome Mike
471
Chelsea has been at the very top level of world football.. We have built a beautiful history in the hands of Abramovich, a blessing to us he really is. May God in his infinite mercies continue to replenish his pockets.