JOSÉ BOSINGWA: THE FORMER STAMFORD BRIDGE UNSUNG HERO

 

Chelsea Football Club has housed a number of great footballers in the past, snatching them from clubs across Europe and building them to become top players and title-winning professionals. We have seen the likes of Malouda, Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba, Ashley Cole, Michael Essien, John Terry, and so on represent the Blues and have great careers at the club.

But one very unsung hero that doesn’t get a lot of credit for his efforts during his playing days at the club is Bosingwa.

Born José Bosingwa da Silva, the former Portuguese right-back was signed from Porto in the summer transfer window of 2008 and played for Chelsea between the years 2008 and 2012 (4 years). In his first season, he was able to make 48 appearances in all competitions, marshaling the Chelsea right-backs spot and was a regular fixture for the side.

His second season was however marred by a knee injury he picked up in October 2009. He would then need to undergo further surgery in March 2010 to go through his healing process. As a result of the injury, he missed out on a large chunk of the 2009-10 season where the club completed the double.

In 2009 however, he was a certified FA Cup winner and also played for the club in the FA Cup and the UEFA Champions League final wins in 2012.

During his youth days, he played for Boavista where he remained until he was snapped up by then Porto manager José Mourinho. José had signed him for Porto in the 2003/04 season, where he managed just 11 league games.

He made his Champions League bow on the 16th of September 2003, in a 1-1 draw with Partizan. He then played a further seven matches in the club’s successful campaign.

He then established himself as the club’s first choice right-back, helping his team win four league titles in five seasons before joining Chelsea. At Chelsea, he scored 5 goals and won 6 major club honors.

 

 

Didier Drogba