Reece James responds to Didier Drogba’s ‘won it all’ Chelsea message
Reece James has responded to a message from Chelsea legend Didier Drogba.
Enzo Maresca’s first season at Stamford Bridge ended in silverware as the Blues beat Real Betis 4-1 in the Europa Conference League final in Poland on Wednesday, 28 May.
Maresca has also steered Chelsea back to the Champions League, thanks to a respectable fourth-place finish in the Premier League.
The Blues were often inconsistent this term, but ended their campaign with a three-game winning streak, including their Conference League final triumph.
James responds as Drogba congratulates Chelsea on Conference League success
James was surprisingly left out of Maresca’s starting lineup for the Conference League final clash with Betis, but came off the bench at half-time and helped Chelsea to victory.
Drogba celebrated his former club’s European triumph via Instagram [29 May] as he wrote: “Another final, another trophy. We’ve won it all, Chelsea.
“Proud of the team effort this season despite the critics.
“Congrats to Maresca and his team, staff, (and) players for such a great end of season. Well deserved.”
James commented with a crown emoji.
Chelsea close in on Ipswich star Liam Delap with Marc Guiu going the other way
The Stamford Bridge side’s Champions League status gives them an advantage over the likes of Manchester United in the transfer window as Maresca looks to bolster his squad ahead of next season.
| Opponent | Result |
| Manchester United (H) | 1-0 W |
| Nottingham Forest (A) | 0-1 W |
| Real Betis (Conference League final) | 1-4 W |
Chelsea will likely beat Man United to Liam Delap’s signature, and the England Under-21 international seemingly boasts the credentials to strengthen the West London club’s frontline, having shone in Ipswich Town colours even though the Tractor Boys have suffered an immediate relegation back to the Championship.
But with Delap closing in on his Stamford Bridge move, Ipswich want to sign Marc Guiu on loan from Chelsea, as Maresca’s men continue to be in negotiations with the Portman Road club.
Guiu made just three Premier League appearances this term, but the former Barcelona man could prove to be an asset for the Tractor Boys in the Championship, having notched a strong return of six goals in nine Conference League appearances this term.