Didier Drogba has sent Emma Hayes a classy message of congratulations after she led Chelsea to the Women's FA Cup to cap a sensational season.
The Blues beat Manchester City 3-2 on Sunday to give the club something cheer about after losing Saturday's men's final to Liverpool on penalties. Hayes lifted her fourth FA Cup crown thanks to the the hard-fought win after securing the Women's Super League title last weekend, prompting Drogba to take to Twitter and send a message.
"Thank you Emma, you mean everything to us. Congratulations," wrote the Chelsea legend, a fellow four-time FA Cup winner, along with three blue heart emojis. Drogba was quoting her tweet which read: "To our fans, these players are worth everything and more. Cherish them. They are keepers. We did it. Come on Chelsea."
The 45-year-old's team were twice pegged back after taking the lead in front of a record crowd of 49,094 fans at Wembley. Star striker Sam Kerr put the Blues ahead in the 33rd minute before England international Lauren Hemp equalised for City shortly before half-time. Erin Cuthbert restored Chelsea's lead just after the hour mark but Citizens substitute Hayley Raso bagged an 89th-minute goal to take the game to extra-time. The game was sealed once and for all when Australian ace Kerr struck again via a deflection in extra-time.
Hayes was overjoyed post-match, heaping praise on her players. "Honestly, those women will go down in history," the triumphant Blues boss beamed. "I will look back in 10 years' time and I'll be like: 'That group was immense.' It's the best team I've ever coached.
"I totally understand that we always want to talk about perfection in football but having been on the winning side more often than not, let me tell you, it's about human endeavour. And we have a group of people who are not going to be on the losing team, they'll find a way."
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Hayes added: "I seriously want to cry with joy. I'm so happy, if you can't tell from the smile on my face. I've been involved in lots of football matches. Nothing was more enjoyable than that win today. Even though my assistant nearly knocked me out following our winner. He literally pulverises me. That game was a win for women's football.
"I love these games. I love playing Man City and they love playing us for the same reason, it's football at the highest level. Tactically both teams have their strengths. I thought we did enough because we stopped them in their game, in the way that I've seen them control the games. I thought we were bold; really, really bold and I think that’s why we’re the winning team."
