Drogba Feels Appreciated In England And Claims Not Winning The Champions League Would Not Be A Disappointment
Chelsea hit man Didier Drogba revealed that after six years he finally feels he is appreciated in England. The Ivoirian arrived at Stamford Bridge from Marseille in 2004. He was an expensive summer signing by Jose Mourinho, and like his manager, had a habit
of stirring controversy. Whether it was on the pitch or off the pitch, Drogba has had his fair share of bad press, the most notable incidents being his inability to stay on his feet, the fact that he manages to get sent off in the Champions League final stages
just as the Blues lose out and his many “hissy fits”.
He has been booed, both by Chelsea and the opponent’s supporters, especially after his displays in Europe. However, he has delivered season after season and could be credited for leading the Blues to their first double last season. His hissy fits were somewhat
justified, after the sudden dismissal of Mourinho, there was instability at the club in terms of managers and performance. Drogba threatened to leave countless number of times, but he stayed every time. Lastly, when it comes to his inability to stay on his
feet, he stays on his feet long enough to score, grabbing a total of 37 goals in 44 appearances.
In recent years Drogba has learnt more and has grown as a player, he has improved his form and is considered as one of the best strikers in Europe. He is respected by opponents as well as teammates and has undoubtedly made his mark on English football. He
told reporters, “I think I am appreciated here now and I am really grateful to the fans in England. In my first season here I found it difficult to adapt and it was hard for fans to understand me. Now people think I am much better and I really love being here.
The most important thing for me was to understand the culture of the game in this country. Now I have done that and I think I get a lot more respect from everybody in England.”
The 32 year old striker has helped the Blues dominate domestically, but he is yet to lead his side to the coveted European Cup. It is a well known fact that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich wants the Champions League trophy at Stamford Bridge, but so far his
side have been unable to deliver. However, when Drogba was asked about the European Cup, the Ivoirian replied that he would not be too disappointed if he ended his career without having lifted the Champions League trophy. He said, “It would not be a big drama
for me if I finished my career without winning the Champions League. I really want to pick up the trophy but nobody will question my ability or achievements if I don't do it.”
Drogba went on to mention George Weah and the Brazilian Ronaldo, saying how they were legends without ever having won the Champions League. The Ivoirian striker said he took pride in his beginnings and how he got to where he was. And gone far he has, both
for club and country, though it seems like he is winding up his international career, having not received a call up for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. He has been essential in the development of the Elephants, apart from scoring 45 goals in some
71 appearances; Drogba has been an inspirational leader. It was his efforts which led his side to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, and despite a spirited performance, they did not make it past the group stages.
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