Just a matter of time for Drogba

There is a certainty in Didier Drogba's voice. It is not a question of if Chelsea FC will be crowned European champions, but when. "We're not far from winning the Champions League, even if it's not this season then next," the striker told uefa.com. "The team is getting more experience. We don't give up and we will win it."

Bold
It is a bold statement, but more matter of fact than bravado. As Chelsea prepare for their third UEFA Champions League semi-final in four years, and second against Liverpool FC, few would question the forward's assertion. Like a boxer on the ropes, Chelsea simply refuse to go down. They proved as much in a thrilling last-gasp draw at Camp Nou in the group stage, then against FC Porto and Valencia CF in the first knockout round and quarter-finals respectively. Facing defeat or elimination each time, they hit back to deliver late knockout blows.

'Feeling good'
It was Drogba's sublime turn and shot that beat FC Barcelona at Stamford Bridge in October; another goal deep into added time snatched a draw in Spain. His six strikes in the competition are second only to Kaká, though Drogba is not getting carried away with any sense of individual achievement. "I'm a striker and I'm there to score goals. I've had no injuries this season and I'm feeling good. [In the summer] I was able to rest for a month so I was ready to start the season." Playing alongside Andriy Shevchenko has also helped. Chelsea took time to adapt to José Mourinho's new, more compact formation, but Drogba has thrived alongside the Ukrainian. "It's completely different when we play with two strikers," he admitted. "You just have to see the statistics. I score more goals when there are two strikers than I do when I'm alone. That's the difference."

Quadruple
Drogba has registered 31 times this season and leads the Premiership scoring charts with 19 as Chelsea target an unprecedented four trophies. He hit both goals in Chelsea's English League Cup final win against Arsenal FC and his consistency was a major reason behind the Ivorian's nomination for the Professional Footballers' Association Player of the Year award. Drogba has also been crowned African Player of the Year, yet only achievement on a team level as Chelsea chase the Premiership, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League titles would crown a memorable campaign. "I'm very proud because I'm the first Ivory Coast player to win this award. It's just a great feeling. Individually it's my best season but as a team there is a bit of frustration being second. But it's also good to chase Manchester United [FC]. It's a different position but I would prefer to be first; that would make it a great season."

Liverpool challenge
The 29-year-old's exceptional form earned him a new four-year contract in November which runs to 2010. By then he fully expects to have added a UEFA Champions League winners' medal to the impressive collection of trophies he has put together at Stamford Bridge. The latest obstacle to fulfilling that dream comes in the form of Liverpool. Drogba, and Chelsea, are yet to score against the Anfield side in four meetings in the competition. His powerful volley to defeat the Reds in the Premiership in September, though, will give cause for confidence. As he said: "If not this season then next." Drogba and Chelsea may not have long to wait.

This is an abridged version of an article that appears in this week's edition of the uefa.com Magazine. To read the feature in full, click here.