It wasn't just Chelsea's Academy represented at Cobham on Monday, as several first teamers, including Didier Drogba, enjoyed the action.

Continuing his rehabilitation from a knee injury, Drogba was at Cobham on Monday while the majority of the squad enjoyed a day off after Sunday's win at Wigan, and dropped in on the final of the Cobham Cup.

Drogba was joined in the stands outside the new Academy and Pavilion by goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini and young Argentine forward Franco Di Santo, as well as rehabilitation physio Thierry Laurent.

The Ivorian's worldwide popularity was laid bare upon the final whistle, when he was mobbed by overjoyed River players, who had clearly noticed his presence during their win over the young Blues.

Our picture shows Drogba surrounded by the River squad, while Di Santo is at the front, clearly enjoying himself with his countrymen.

Mildly embarrassed by his fame, particularly while in the company of his kids, Drogba took the attention well, and happily posed for photos and signed for autographs with the triumphant side, going so far as to give his baseball cap to one player.

'It was good to see the young players performing well, they are quite good and I enjoyed watching,' he said afterwards.

'I love River and Boca, I know they are different and don't like each other but they are the best teams and my favourites in Argentina. I am happy that they won, even though I am a Chelsea player and supported Chelsea. They showed us some great football.'

The 30-year-old was also impressed with the facilities in the new building, after sneaking a quick first look.

'It is fantastic, unbelievable. They are so professional. The pitch is fantastic, the organisation is the best I think I have seen, and I am really proud of what Chelsea is doing, it really is fantastic,' he said.

Meanwhile Di Santo, just a couple of years older than his compatriots, was nearly as popular with the River players, and to show their support, they presented him with his own River Plate shirt, signed by the squad.