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On Sunday, June 16, 2019, at 7:30pm local time, Stamford Bridge will play host to Soccer Aid 2019, the apparently recently annualized charity match to benefit Unicef featuring some of the biggest names in football and entertainment. Headlining the event will be none other than Didier Drogba, as well as Usain Bolt and the usual Redknapps and other big name UK athletes and celebrities.
As we get closer to the date of the match, more and more attendees will be confirmed. With the location of the match moving from Old Trafford to Stamford Bridge, we should probably expect a strong Chelsea-flavor to it, and sure enough, both Joe Cole (representing “England”) and Ricardo Carvalho (representing the “World XI”) have now confirmed their participation as well.
“I can’t wait to get back on the Stamford Bridge pitch and to be part of Soccer Aid for Unicef. I’m looking forward to playing with, and against, some of my old teammates - and to pull on the England shirt once again.
“Soccer Aid for Unicef is an amazing force for good, which helps children in danger around the world. To be part of the game is a real privilege.”
-Joe Cole; source: Mail
With over 200 appearances to each of their names, alongside three Premier League titles and multiple cups shared in their six years together at the Bridge (2004-2010), Cole and Carvalho were part of all the steamrollering Chelsea teams we remember so fondly in these far less consistent days.
“I had some incredible years at Chelsea, so to be back at the Bridge alongside some familiar faces will be a special moment. This is an important game – I’m proud to be able to help Unicef raise funds for its vital work for vulnerable children all over the world.”
-Ricardo Carvalho; source: Mail
It will be lovely to see them back at the Bridge (even if Cole’s once again a regular around the club these days as a coach in the youth setup) — if you are able to attend, you can buy tickets now, starting at just £20.
P.S.: This is as good an excuse as any to re-share the highlights of a certain 3-0 win over Manchester United 13 years ago, which clinched Chelsea’s second successive title under Mourinho. Both Cole and Carvalho scored, the latter joining Drogba in a famous celebration! If you have more time, the ENTIRE match is on YouTube as well.