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Chelsea Striker Didier Drogba: I Used To Be An Arsenal Fan
Once a Gooner, but now all Blue...
30-Nov-2009 12:27:28 PM
Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has revealed that he used to support Arsenal when he was younger, owing to the French influence at the north London club.
The former Marseille hitman has scored 10 times in 11 meetings between the two clubs, and recently bagged a brace as Carlo Ancelotti's charges won 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium.
However, the Ivorian modestly insists that his form against the Gunners may be down to good fortune.
"It just may be lucky," Drogba said on the club's official website.
"I don't know if it is something special but it is always nice to challenge yourself and see what you can do against players like [William] Gallas, [Thomas] Vermaelen and [Cesc] Fabregas."
The 31-year-old divulged that he used to be a fan of the north London club, but swiftly stressed where his allegiance currently lies.
He added: "I like to play against Arsenal because they used to be the team people supported in France because of all the French players there, so I was supporting them as well, but since I am [at] Chelsea I do the job for my team and I am really delighted when we win like this."
The Blues managed to overthrow the Gunners' proud home record of having not lost a game at home this season, and Drogba believes that it was down to tactical discipline that his side were able to get the result.
He continued: "Especially against this type of team, they love to play, they love to keep the ball and you have to be patient and do everything well when you have the ball.
"The first 20 to 25 minutes were difficult for us and Arsenal had control of the ball, but we defended very hard and strong and when we had our chance we took it.
"Ashley Cole's cross was fantastic, he couldn't put it better and I was a bit lucky to score the first goal. I think we then controlled the game.
"It was a bit difficult for me in the first 20 minutes because I hadn't played for two weeks before the game against Porto. In the second half [against Arsenal] I was feeling much better, I could run and hold the ball and I played a bit more physically. I think that really helped the team.
"Defensively we were strong and when we were attacking, we attacked with desire and belief and this is why we won and why we are top of the league. Physically and mentally we are strong and we know how to go through difficult moments when the game is hard."
Adithya Ananth, Goal.com UK
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