Before the second leg of the semi-final between PSG and Arsenal, Didier Drogba frankly announced that they did not want a team with those two names to participate in the Champions League final.
The second leg of the Champions League semi-final between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal attracted a lot of attention, not only because of the tension of the match but also because of the speeches that attracted the attention of football legends, including Didier Drogba. The former Chelsea striker surprised fans when he openly stated that he did not want any team from this pair to participate in the final.
In the first leg, which took place at the Emirates Stadium, PSG beat Arsenal 1-0 thanks to Ousmane Dembele’s lone goal. This result gives the French team a significant advantage heading into the rematch at the Parc des Princes. However, manager Mikel Arteta and his students still have a chance to turn the tide. Legendary Ian Wright, who has worked with Arsenal for many years, still believes the former team can reach the final despite their unstable recent form.
However, for Didier Drogba, things are not so simple. When asked by RMC Sport which team he would like to see in the next final, Drogba replied decisively: “Do you really want to know the answer? No team.” He added: “But I think French football has a team so far. Good luck.”
Drogba’s speech couldn’t help but remind many people of the debt-ridden relationship between him and the two aforementioned teams. With Arsenal, Drogba was once a true “God” during the competition for Chelsea. The Ivory Coast striker has scored 13 goals in 15 games for the Gunners and has only lost one match. It’s not too hard to understand when the love for the London team is… no.
On the other hand, PSG is Marseille’s rival—the Ligue 1 club that Drogba loved and deeply loved. Therefore, not cheering in the capital of Paris is also understandable for someone who remains loyal to Marseille.
With the confrontation fierce and the traditional feuds never cooling down, Drogba chose to stay out of the race between PSG and Arsenal, despite the importance of the semi-final.
The return leg between PSG and Arsenal at Prince’s Park will be a true test of the Premier League team’s mettle, with PSG having a great chance to reach the final and chase their dream of reaching Europe. But perhaps with Didier Drogba, the most beautiful scenario is… Both teams stopped.
Although he is no longer competing, Drogba still displays a strong personality and absolute loyalty to the colors he once wore. And his statements before such big matches always leave fans unable to ignore them.
