‘Unforgettable!’ – Chelsea fans send same message to Demba Ba after striker makes decision

Former Chelsea striker Demba Ba has officially announced his retirement from professional football after a 16-year career.

The 36-year-old spent just a season and a half with the Blues in 2013/14, but played a huge part in some truly unforgettable memories for the west London club.

In his first, and only, full campaign with Chelsea, Ba played 29 times in all competitions – scoring eight times along the way, including two iconic goals.

The first was a late goal in the Champions League quarter-final second-leg against Paris Saint-Germain in April 2014, to send the Blues through to the last four after winning on away goals.

The second is perhaps more iconic. With Liverpool looking set to win their first-ever Premier League title, Steven Gerrard slipped over and handed possession to Ba, who ran through on goal and slid the ball between Simon Mignolet’s legs, which got Chelsea up and running in a 2-0 win at Anfield.

The Reds went on to come second in the Premier League table, with Manchester City pipping them to the trophy on the final day.

Those two goals will live long into Chelsea’s history and the club’s fan base have now been reacting to Ba announcing his retirement from football.

Ba, when speaking in 2016, reflected on his short time at Stamford Bridge, but insisted he did not regret making the move.

“I won’t say I regret it, but I think back to the day when Jose (Mourinho) blocked my Chelsea loan at Arsenal,” Ba said, via France Football.

“It was the time of his return to the club (in 2013). And I think it would have been a very good move (transfer).

“It happened on the last day of the transfer window. I was in Paris, at rest, and Arsenal representatives called me to tell me it was going to get done.

“I then returned to London for medical. Upon arriving, I was well surprised that Mr Mourinho had blocked and prevented me from going to Arsenal.”