Chelsea defender John Terry has defended fellow team-mate Didier Drogba’s infamous outburst following the Blues' elimination by Barcelona in last season’s UEFA Champions League semi-final.

Drogba lost his rag as he exploded into an emotional, foul-mouthed rage directed at Norwegian referee Tom Henning Ovrebo at the end of the game. Unfortunately for him it was captured by camera too.

The Blues were denied four penalty claims in an thrilling match which was settled by Andreas Iniesta’s injury-time equaliser, and afterwards the big Ivorian was seen by millions as he went for Ovrebo before swearing in front of live television broadcasts.

The rant landed Drogba a six-game suspension which was later reduced on appeal, and the club was forced to cough up an £85,000 fine for the improper conduct of their players.

However, speaking about the incident for the first time, captain John Terry believes that Drogba’s actions were motivated by his strong passion and drive to succeed with the Blues.

"From a Chelsea point of view, I love the way Didier reacted there,” he told the News of the World.

"When he lost his rag after the (Barcelona) game, that is because he cares about this football club.

"Didier's love for the club and the passion he shows for our football club is unbelievable and I can't stress that any higher.

"When we lose a game there is no-one more disappointed than him. He shows his anger and his frustration. He has got passion that people don't realize,” he added.

The 28-year-old also lamented Drogba’s impending departure to take part in the African Cup of Nations in January.

“Apart from his goals, he does an awful lot for the team. He holds the ball and brings it down and his build-up play is second to none.

For me, he is one of the best and most difficult strikers to play against in the world. Obviously, we are going to miss him when he goes away after Christmas," he stressed.

Catch the now legendary ‘Drogba rant’ below as with this dramatic video. A disgrace or an outburst of pure passion? You decide.