Galatasaray honor world famous ex-star Drogba

By Ercan Cakar

ISTANBUL (AA) - Istanbul football heavyweights Galatasaray honored their ex-star Didier Drogba on Saturday.

The legendary striker of Ivory Coast, Drogba, 41, who retired from football in Nov. 2018, was given a plate by the club.

Drogba spent 1.5 seasons at Galatasaray between 2013 and 2014 as Lions paid tribute to him before Saturday's league match.

Galatasaray fans cheered over Drogba, who was at Turk Telekom Stadium stands to follow Galatasaray's Super Lig game.

Galatasaray signed Drogba in Jan. 2013 as he helped the Istanbul team win the Super Lig title in the same year. Drogba also lifted Turkish Cup and Turkish Super Cup in 2014.

During his 1.5 season spell at Galatasaray, Drogba scored 20 goals in 53 appearances.

In addition to Galatasaray, Drogba played for London giants Chelsea, where he netted 164 goals in 381 matches.

In 2012 Drogba won the UEFA Champions League title with Chelsea, scoring the late equalizer against Germany's Bayern Munich, as the regular time of this final ended 1-1.

Chelsea had the 2012 Champions League trophy following a penalty shootout in Bayern Munich's home, the Allianz Arena.