Ryan Bertrand’s selection as the starting left-back for Chelsea’s 2012 Champions League final against Bayern Munich is one of the most notable decisions in the club’s history.
At just 21 years old, Bertrand had limited experience, with only a dozen top-flight starts and no prior participation in the competition.
Yet, interim head coach Roberto Di Matteo showed faith in him, and Bertrand repaid that trust by helping Chelsea secure a historic victory.
He became the first player to make his Champions League debut in the final and lift the trophy.
Bertrand’s heroics in Munich cemented his place in Chelsea’s history, but his time at the club was short-lived.
He played only three more Champions League games the following season before leaving in 2014 to pursue more regular playing time.
He went on to enjoy a successful seven-year spell at Southampton, followed by a two-year stint at Leicester City, although injuries limited his appearances.
After his contract expired last summer, Bertrand was without a club until his recent announcement of formal retirement at the age of 34.
Bertrand’s story serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football.
From the highs of Champions League glory to the lows of injury struggles and unfulfilled potential, Bertrand’s career was marked by both triumph and adversity.
Despite his relatively short time at Chelsea, Bertrand’s contribution to the club’s history is undeniable, and his name will forever be etched in the memories of Chelsea fans.
His retirement marks the end of an era, but his legacy as one of the Heroes of Munich will live on.
