Chelsea hero Didier Drogba admits being dropped by former manager Luiz Felipe Scolari for their FA Cup tie at Southend United earlier this season was difficult to take.

"I wasn't playing under Scolari so I couldn't score goals," said Drogba. "I wasn't fit, but it was difficult when I was left out against Southend. The players showed me a lot of respect and a lot of support.

"The good thing is that they won the game and gave me the chance to score the winner against Arsenal."