Gyan Grateful for Drogba’s Help
Asamoah Gyan, the Sunderland star, revealed in an interview ahead of the visit to Stamford Bridge that he was a great admirer of the Chelsea hit man, Didier Drogba. Gyan said that the goal scoring Chelsea talisman was an inspiration to
him and he hoped to follow in his footsteps and be as great as him. There is no doubt that Didier Drogba is considered one of the best strikers in the world today, reckoned to be a complete striker.
Gyan said that Drogba was much more than a role model, he said the Ivoirian striker was a mentor, especially after the African Cup of Nations in 2008. Even though they are from different countries, Drogba spoke to Gyan and encouraged him
to stay on with his team, which is still hugely appreciated by the 24-year-old Ghanaian. He considers success with his country a result of counselling by the Ivory Coast international, after a tough time at the ACON.
Gyan spoke about how he almost walked out on the team but ended up staying because of Drogba, he said, “I will always have a debt to Drogba. In 2008 I was hugely criticized for my performances in the African Cup
of Nations, and I almost walked away from the national team with my brother (Baffour). But we beat the Ivory Coast in the third-place game and at the end Drogba called me over and advised me and told me I should carry on and work hard to get to the top.”
He continued, “I remember what he told me, and I thought that I should just keep going. Drogba told me he had seen what was in the newspapers but that I shouldn't give up. He had seen me play in Italy and France
and he knows I have the quality. I went on to be one of the players of the World Cup with Ghana this year, so everything can change in the twinkle of an eye. I followed his advice and so far things seem to be working well.”
The 24-year-old Ghanaian will hope to make Drogba regret his support two years ago when the two come face to face today at Stamford Bridge. Gyan will hope to do the seemingly impossible and beat the mighty Blues at Stamford Bridge, a feat
that one can’t remember the last time it happened. However he has recognized the task at hand, as Chelsea are impossible to beat at the Bridge, while Sunderland have not won away from home since 2008.
Drogba and Gyan have both been shortlisted for the Ballon d'Or, to become world player of the year. However Gyan gained popularity because of missing a penalty in the World Cup quarter-final, which saw Ghana drop out of the competition.
Despite that, Ghana went further than Ivory Coast, but Gyan mentioned how Didier Drogba was an idol for him. He said that Drogba had made all the Africans proud and was one of the best African players.
Gyan said, “Drogba especially has been my inspiration, an idol for me. I watch him and think to myself that I want to be like him. It is hard to become a star, but it is even harder to maintain it and that is what
he has done. Didier is a big guy, far bigger than me. I cannot be exactly like Drogba. I have different qualities. But I want to follow in his footsteps. Drogba has made all Africans proud so I want to be like him in that respect. I want to be up there with
the best African players.”
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