I was watching the final of the African Cup of Nations yesterday, the tournament to decide the champions of Africa - Zambia vs Ivory Coast. The Ivory Coast have a team full of superstars and were hot favourites. Their captain and talisman, Didier Drogba, sustained a horrible concussion in August 2011 playing for his club side, English premier league team Chelsea.

At the beginning of the second half Drogba sustained a very minor contact to the back of his head as he went up for a header. He fell down onto the ground and the physios were called on as the commentators berated his 'simulation' (ie faking that he had been fouled). A few minutes leter he was still down and a close-up showed a very confused look in his eyes. The commentators took their words back. "Sometimes with the head it's just how you get caught." Of course his concussion history was not mentioned or seemingly considered by anyone, and he remained on the pitch.

A few minutes later one of the Ivory Coast players was fouled in the penalty area and the referee gave a penalty kick, which for those not into 'soccer', almost always results in a goal. "Don't let Drogba take it" I helpfully advised the Ivorians through the television, however as the obvious penalty taker and captain Drogba did choose to take the penalty - and skied it miles over the crossbar. The score remained at 0-0 and Zambia went on to win the tournament in a penalty shoot out.

It's sad to think, given the problems many of us have had accepting our limitations, how hard it must be for a professional footballer earning £120,000 per week and an idol to millions to do the same. But all his wealth will seem hollow if his brain stops working.... I wish him well.