Drogba: I was an Arsenal fan
442 Staff - Monday 30 November 2009, 19:40
Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has revealed he used to support rivals Arsenal when he was younger – after his double dealt Arsene Wenger’s side a damaging blow in the title race.
The Ivorian hitman made it 10 goals in nine appearances against the Gunners as Carlo Ancelotti’s men romped to a comprehensive 3-0 victory.
Drogba has been in outstanding form for the league leaders this season but believed fortune played its own small part in Sunday’s victory.
“It just may be luck,” Drogba told 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 confessed he was a big admirer of Arsenal when he was a boy due to the Gunners’ obvious French connections.
Drogba, however, has no doubt where his allegiances lie nowadays and was thrilled to have come away from North London with all three points.
“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,” he said.
Victory handed the Blues a five-point cushion at the top of the table and ensured they became the first side to win at Emirates Stadium since May – ending Arsenal’s 12-game winning streak on their own soil in the process.
Drogba paid tribute to his side’s tactics and was pleased with his own performance as the goal-getter took his tally to 14 goals in all competitions.
“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,” he said.
“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.”