A teaser clip shared by The Obi One Podcast official X account has reignited memories of one of Chelsea’s most fascinating striker dynamics, as Diego Costa reflected on his mindset when Didier Drogba returned to Stamford Bridge in 2014.
Speaking candidly, Costa admitted he initially felt anxious, knowing he was about to share the spotlight with a club legend. The full discussion forms part of Costa’s wider reflections on his Chelsea career, previously detailed by SoftFootball during his revelations about his eventual fallout at the club.
The conversation, hosted by John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy, also ties into the podcast’s broader series where Costa has been challenged on his place among elite forwards. That context helps frame why this Drogba story matters, as the former Spain international has consistently spoken about learning from the very best.
SoftFootball previously covered how the Obi One Podcast puts Costa under pressure to rank himself against other top strikers, adding weight to his admiration for Drogba.
Costa was not dismissing competition or exaggerating fear for drama. Instead, he was explaining the shock of arriving at Chelsea believing he would be the main striker, only to see an all-time great return.
Costa described how Drogba’s reputation alone was enough to make him question his own position, even though he also viewed it as an opportunity to learn from an idol.
When asked directly by Chris McHardy if he felt pressure replacing Drogba, Costa explained his thinking in full.
He said:
No. When I signed for Chelsea, it was only me in theory the only striker. And then Didier Drogba signed again. He came back. I knew Didier is God. I look up to him. I always liked him. I always liked watching really good strikers. And Didier was always one of the best in the world.
Costa then clarified why his initial confidence turned into concern, stressing Drogba’s status at the club and what that meant psychologically.
He said:
I came to Chelsea and Didier came back too. It was good. But I said, I’m in trouble. Because Didier, he is an idol. He is one of the greatest in the club’s history.
Watch the video below:
However, he revealed that Jose Mourinho quickly reframed the situation. Costa explained that Drogba’s role would be supportive, but competitive standards would remain high.
He said:
But he came a little bit older. He was not going to change anything. Then Mourinho told me, don’t worry, he’s coming to be part of the squad. But if I don’t score the goals I should, Didier is going to play 100%.
From that point, Costa described a genuine mentor-protégé relationship built on respect. He highlighted how closely he studied Drogba in training, not out of fear, but admiration.
He said:
But he was someone I loved watching in training. I watched him from afar. I watched his movements, the way he controlled, the way he knocked down defenders of the feet. I always liked to learn from the good guys.
Finally, Costa emphasised Drogba’s character, making it clear that the Chelsea icon never tried to undermine him.
He said:
And Didier, from the very first minute, he was always treating me well. because there are people who don’t understand their moment. Didier knows how great he is. I hope we can have another player like him. That would be very good for Chelsea. Didier, from the first minute, he was always treating me well, with respect, with affection.
The clip offers a rare, human look at how greatness can inspire rather than intimidate, showing why Drogba’s legacy at Chelsea extends far beyond goals.
