Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho hailed Didier Drogba as "the best value" Chelsea player of all-time and admitted the Ivory Coast striker tops a list of the favourite players he has worked with in his glittering coaching career.
Mourinho's tribute to Drogba came at London's Savoy Hotel on Sunday, where the Football Writers' Association held a gala dinner in honour of the striker who has won 10 major trophies in Chelsea colours.
"Didier arrived at Stamford Bridge for 24 million pounds, but he is probably the best-value Chelsea player ever," Mourinho said in a speech at the event.
Mourinho went on to recall how he identified Drogba as his chief transfer target when he initially arrived at Chelsea in 2004. The Portuguese manager made it clear to Blues' owner Roman Abramovich that the striker, who was playing for Marseille at the time, was the player he wanted to bring to Stamford Bridge.
"In my first written report to Mr. Abramovich in relation to my plans for the club, I gave the names of some players," stated Mourinho. "Big names were arriving at Chelsea in that period. The previous summer, for example, Claude Makelele came from Real Madrid and Hernan Crespo came from Inter, among others, but Didier was unknown and the price was very, very high.
"Yet I knew as clearly as I have ever done that he was the player I wanted. I was very strong to persuade my club to pay such an amount for him and I think we can already say he was the best-value signing for Chelsea in relation to what he has done for the club over so many years, and he is not finished yet."
Mourinho went on to offer up three stories that sum up his special bond with Drogba, with the affection he feels for the 36-year-old striker who returned to Chelsea last summer evident.
"Reflecting on our relationship, I have three moments in my mind that best characterise the man - because Didier the man is just as great as Didier the player," said Mourinho.
"The first one was when I met him at Farnborough Airport when he was landing to sign for Chelsea. The way he hugged me, and the way he thanked me was not normal for a player towards a manager, immediately after signing for a new club. Chelsea were changing his life forever in that moment, and he knew that.
"The second moment was after we won the 2007 FA Cup at Wembley against Manchester United. The game finished and I went to the dressing room, leaving the players to enjoy the moment and to celebrate on the pitch.
"I was on the phone with my wife, when suddenly a big monster ran into the dressing room and told me that if I didn't come with the players, they wouldn't collect the cup. They would only go up there with me. I told him that I wanted the players to go and enjoy the moment together, that I didn't need to be there, and he said, 'We are only one. You can come by your will, or I will carry you there!'"
"The third moment was when I left Chelsea in 2007 and I saw the big man crying like a baby.
"So I can say that he is a phenomenal person, and I have also had the privilege to visit his country and to see what he means, not just to the people of Ivory Coast, but to so many African nations in that region. I know what he means as a player and as a person. That is why this combination of the player and the person is so amazing."
Mourinho also wrote a personal tribute to the Chelsea striker in the FWA event programme.
Drogba's longtime manager wrote: "Throughout my career, I have always refused to say which is my favourite player or the best person, because so many have given soul and blood to play and to fight with me, but if I have to choose one who represents all the good things you want in a player and a man, I think in this moment I would choose Didier.
"I know what he means as a player and as a person. That is why this combination of the player and the person is so amazing, and I can say that he is a phenomenal person."
For his part, Drogba indicated his plans were very much to remain with Chelsea, either on or off the pitch, in his future.
"When you have achieved so much and won so many trophies like we have done in the past 10 years, that creates something special," said Drogba. "I hope, and the club makes me believe, I am part of this big family, so we are going to find the best thing for both of us to promote the club in the best way.''
Drogba added: "When I left this club (the first time), I was saying that I had done everything I wanted to do, but I think now that I did not do everything, I think there is more to do.
"I love this club and would love to be part of this club for the future, with the new players."