N’Golo Kante says he was compared with Didier Drogba

N’Golo Kante says that he has always looked up to Didier Drogba as an example to believe that no matter where one starts from, it is still possible to reach the pinnacle.


Like Drogba, Kante is also not someone who is not the product of the academy of a big club. His boyhood days were spent at Boulogne, a club which hardly anyone would have heard about outside France.

But, today he is donning the shirt of one of the biggest clubs in UK and is on his way to become the Premiership Champion for the second time on the trot and that is a tribute to his will power and belief.

Speaking recently, the Frenchman, who is a nightmare to deal with in the middle of the pitch for the opposition, said, “As a teenager coming through the ranks, you hear a lot of stories about the great personalities in your profession and you always tend to follow those whose story is a little bit like you.” Continue reading “N’Golo Kante says he was compared with Didier Drogba”

Cahill: Costa Filling Drogba’s Boots

Gary Cahill reckons that Diego Costa is finally emerging as the replacement for Didier Drogba, who is regarded as one of the best strikers in the history of the club. Drogba took just over 110 games in order to reach a tally of 50 goals for Chelsea. Throughout his eight years with the club, the striker scored well over 150 goals but it took him more than 300 games in order to reach this figure. Costa is fast emerging as an even better goal scorer, as he has taken just 90-odd games in order to reach the 50 goal mark.

The Spaniard scored in the 1-0 win over Crystal Palace during the weekend to take his league tally to 13 goals. He is now the top scorer in the division, and his goals were a major factor in the club winning the league title during the 2014-15 season. Cahill played alongside Drogba for a year or two before the striker left the club in his first spell. He watched the striker scored numerous goals, especially in the finals or semifinals, to help Chelsea win numerous honours. Cahill says that the presence of an influential forward is extremely vital for a team to function at the top level.

Costa has been so good that £33 million summer signing Michy Batshuayi has been unable to make even a single league start. “Didier was a huge figure goal-scoring wise and also with his personality on and off the pitch. You need strikers like that and Diego has fitted in nicely. Since he’s been at the club he’s scored goals but this season he’s on fire. Are the fans starting to love him like they loved Didier? Yes, of course, because he is banging goals in every week. He is winning us matches,” said the Chelsea defender after the win against Crystal Palace.

Drogba Admits MLS Cup is the Ultimate Objective for Montreal Impact

Former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba reckons that Montréal Impact are not far away from winning the club’s first silverware.


After being subjected to transfer rumours in the last few transfer windows, it seems that Drogba looks set to continue with MLS at least for another campaign. He has been one of the major source of goals for Montreal Impact. The 38-year-old has already set his sights upon the MLS Cup. Montreal Impact are one of the new clubs in the MLS after having been drafted in only five years ago. They will be hosting Toronto FC in the Eastern Conference Championship first leg match on Tuesday.

It will be an extremely important game for the club as they hope to progress through the MLS play-offs. After having managed to overcome his differences with the club, Drogba will be a major presence on the pitch for the Montreal Impact team. After having played in numerous derbies over the course of the stellar career, Drogba says that the rivalry will be intense and form goes out of the window. Continue reading “Drogba Admits MLS Cup is the Ultimate Objective for Montreal Impact”

Didier Drogba fined by the MLS

Former African Player of the Year Award winner Didier Drogba has been fined by the Major League Soccer (MLS) after he refused to feature for his club Montreal Impact.

The former Ivory Coast skipper demanded that he be left off the game in its entirety after he was set to be left out of the starting squad for the Toronto FC game last Sunday.

The English Premier League veteran has netted ten goals in 21 gmes for the club this term. He joined last term after a succesful return to Chelsea in the 2014/15 season. He had an issue with the club and wanted to be off the squad if he was not going to play, but the club’s president Joey Saputo insists that the relationship has been patched up. The 38-yar old player just couldnot escape a reprimand from the league . The MLS fined the player – but refused to disclose the amount. Continue reading “Didier Drogba fined by the MLS”

TOURE RETIRES FROM INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL

Troubled Manchester City play maker Yaya Toure has announced his exit from the national team setup of Cote d’Ivoire.


The four-time African Player of the Year award winner announced his retirement from international football this week. The 33-year old former Barcelona player featured over one hundred times for Ivory Coast until his exit.

“Writing this note was probably the most difficult match of my life. After 14 years at the highest level, I’m sure this is the right time for me! The fact that I am 33 now, the intensity of training and the multitude of games are not the reasons why I am making this decision,” Yaya wrote.

After an underwhelming season last term, Yaya is on the sidelines since Pep Guardiola took over at the Etihad. There has been trading of words over Toure by the player’s agent and the Spanish tactician. On African level, despite Ivory Coast having a packed team of established superstars like former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba, ex-Gunner Gervinho, former Liverpool defender Kolo Toure, former Arsenal player Eboue and others, it was in 2015 that they won their first African Cup of Nations title. Toure acknowledge this to be his precious memory in an Ivorian shirt.

Toure made his debut for his country in 2004. He was made the captain after Didier Drogba retired from international football after the 2014 World Cup. He won part of the 2009 UEFA Champions League-winning squad for Barcelona. He moved to England, and has built an enviable reputation ever since.

“I would like to say solemnly that I am stopping!” Toure wrote, dropping the bombshell. “With the Elephants, it was even more special. I learned to win for my country. That’s why I will always retain the pride in having achieved four African Golden Balls for the Ivory Coast,” Toure added.

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Drogba Lost for Words To Explain His Record against Arsenal

Former Chelsea forward Didier Drogba has spoken for the first time about his incredible scoring record against Arsenal.

The former Ivory Coast international is regarded as one of the greatest African strikers to have graced the Premier League. He scored numerous goals against almost every opponent to set up Chelsea on the path towards three league titles and several other domestic honours. However, his record against Arsenal stands out from the crowd. Since Drogba became a Chelsea player, the blues enjoyed an impeccable record against the gunners after having previously suffered in the same fixture

The mighty forward once again continued his impeccable record against the gunners by scoring against them in a pre-season friendly for the MLS All-Stars. Drogba has featured against Arsenal in 16 games and he has now taken his tally to 16 goals. This time around, he had to beat his former teammate at Chelsea – Petr Cech – in order to score the goal. Even though Arsenal ended up winning the match due to a late winner, Drogba was happy to continue his incredible record against the gunners. He had no answer as to why he always manages to score against Arsene Wenger’s team; later, he said that he only had to thank good luck for this record.

“I don’t know, I don’t know, I want to say that I’m lucky but when you score 16 goals against them I don’t think it’s luck no more,” said the Chelsea forward after the latest goal against Arsenal. A few years ago, Wenger revealed that he turned down an opportunity to sign Drogba when he was still trying to make his name in French football. Chelsea snapped him up for £ 24 million from Marseille back in 2004 even when he was a raw and unfinished product. Drogba enjoyed his best years under the likes of Carlo Ancelotti.

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TOP FOUR VERY YOUNG DEFENDERS SET TO BLOSSOM THIS SEASON

A lot of teams are known to give young players the opportunity to shine in the Premier League.

Some convert the chance to a permanent spot in the team, some do not. We look at some of the young defenders – in no particular order – breaking into the Premier League in the 2016/2017 season, yet hoping to contend with some of the best players in the world.

First is Rob Holding playing at Arsenal FC. The 20-year old player has the opportunity due to the injury crisis that hit the defence. The centre half already had his debut when he featured in the pre season friendly game against the MLS All Stars in the United States. Coach Arsene Wenger said he was impressed with how he marked two-time former Chelsea forward Didier Drogba. Wenger said: “He reads the game well and understands what’s going on, anticipates well and that’s a quality at such a young age that you do not find a lot.” Holding was signed from Bolton for £2 million and is set to get Premier League matches as the injuries persist.

Ben Gibson of Middlesbrough is another defender set to take on EPL stars this term. The 23-year old player is a key player in the promotion-winning team from the English Championship. His left footedness for a centre half adds to his uniqueness.

West Ham United Reece Oxford was stunning when he played against Arsenal in the opening game of last season despite being just 16 years. There are a lot of queries if he would have more responsibilities under Slaven Bilic this season.
Everton recalled Matthew Pennington from laon on Walsall early in the last campaign as the defenders picked up injuries. He got a lot of first team plays, and has continued his decent campaign in the pre season. As John stones moves to Manchester City, Pennington is set to get more chances for The Toffees this term.

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DIDIER DROGBA STILL TORMENTS ARSENAL IN PRE SEASON GAME

Former Chelsea talisman Didier Drogba still haunts Arsenal FC despite leaving the Premier League where he dominated for years.

The Ivory Coast international tormented Arsene Wenger and his side when everyone thought it was over. Drogba played against Wenger’s side for twelve years when he was at Chelsea FC – twice, and when he featured for Turkish side Galatasaray.

His career at Montreal Impact in the Major League Soccer might be coming to an end as the player ages, but his calm finish when the MLS All stars played against Arsenal would not be forgotten in a hurry.

Drogba’s tally is now 16 goals in 16 games against the Emirates side. Arsenal won the game at the end courtesy of a goal from Chuba Akpom and Joel Campbell 2-1. The exhibition game was a much better effort from Arsenal compared to their effort against Lens which ended 1-1. The 38-year old was impressive for the team at San Jose but couldn’t bully the inexperienced defenders Rob Holding and Krystian Bielik as he would have when he was much younger.

After the game, Wenger said: “Drogba is a poacher. He can do that in the box. When I see him in the box, fighting with young defenders, I always think there is danger because you know that he can get the upper hand and score a goal. That’s what he did.”

With Per Mertesacker sidelined till 2017, the Gunners would need to find experienced defenders as the current crop seem too inexperienced for the forthcoming season which would be very competitive. Arsenal are set to play Mexican side Chivas in Los Angeles on Sunday. Wenger says he is focused on bringing the best out of the team. He added that the cheques clubs are signing to remain in the league is scary as they are all ambitious.

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Drogba scores against Petr Cech

At the age of 38, Didier Drogba is an extremely experienced player who still manages to score goals and consistently perform at a high level which is something very surprising for a player in such an elevated age.

Drogba is currently performing for the MLS side Montreal Impact and the Ivorian attacker had the chance to be one of the players selected to perform in the MLS All-Star as they faced off with Arsenal on July 28 of the ongoing year.

The Ivorian forward was excited to perform in this game as he had previously talked in an interview and Drogba praised Arsenal’s Petr Cech as the veteran attacker voiced his excitement in being able to face off against his former Chelsea teammate as he said:

‘’He is a legend and a really good friend. We have been talking about this match and Petr Cech told me that he was going to come. We have a chat group which includes a few Chelsea players and we have all been talking about this match. I am excited and hope to score a goal or two’’

The match was played as scheduled on July 28th at the Avaya Stadium in San Jose, California.

Drogba did indeed manage to score a goal as he blasted a shot past his former teammate Petr Cech but it was Arsenal which came out on top with the victory as the final scoreboard displayed 2-1 in favor of the Premier League club.

This game was a memorable one for Didier Drogba as he scored a goal against Arsenal as he continues to prove his worth even at the age of 38 but there was something else that occurred which shows that even the most experienced of players can make mistakes as Drogba performed for Montreal Impact in a MLS match and he kicked a player with the referee standing only a few inches away.

For someone who has had a playing career which spans for over 15 years, it was a fairly novice mistake to make as the referee was right in front of him and Drogba decided to kick a player of D.C United who was already down on the ground and this lead to having the Ivorian player being removed from the field as he received a red card.

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Didier Drogba knows that he is a role model for the youth

Former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has stated that he is a role model for the young people and that he wants to do everything he can in order to impact the youth positively.

Speaking to a Canadian radio, he said that he is a model for all the young players that want to succeed in the footballing world.

He said that it is not only his footballing skills that have brought him success but also his hard work. He believes that if you want to succeed you need to learn to play in a team and also to sacrifice yourself for the team. You need to learn how to trust your partners and how to inspire trust to others. It is all these qualities that you make you a good footballer.

Didier Drogba said that he worked hard to reach where he is. He said that at the start of his career he was not regular in his performance. Someone once told him that it is no use being good on the training pitch if you cannot play like that in competitive matches. This is what prompted him to make changes to the way he plays. He had to improve his performance on the pitch to make sure that he was consistently playing at a high level.

Speaking about the Major League Soccer, he believes that the level of football has improved significantly during recent years, and he think that it will keep on improving. He said that the arrival of players such as David Villa and Kaka has significantly improved the level and that the level of local players has been increasing as well. He said that in the years to come, the Major League Soccer will become more competitive and that will be seen in the quality of the United States players.

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