Napoli forward Victor Osimhen has discussed his ‘love and admiration’ for Didier Drogba and admits he has modelled his game on the Chelsea icon.
Osimhen has emerged as one of Europe’s leading centre-forwards this season following a fine season at Napoli, one which has seen the Nigerian score 21 goals in 23 league appearances for the runaway Serie A leaders.
Osimhen’s goals have moved Napoli to the brink of a first Serie A title in 32 years, while the club will face AC Milan in the Champions League quarter-finals this week having reached the last eight of the competition for the first time.
The 24-year-old has been linked with a big-money exit from Napoli this summer, with Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Chelsea all credited with an interest. Osimhen admits he followed the latter closely, due to the exploits of Dider Drogba at Stamford Bridge.
“I have always supported Drogba and I have huge love and admiration for him,” Osimhen told the Daily Mail.
“I remember when he scored the equaliser in the 2012 Champions League Final, an amazing header, and the way I celebrated was as though I had scored the goal. My friends knew I was obsessed with Drogba.
“When I scored 10 goals and won the Golden Boot at the Under-17 World Cup in 2015, one of the Nigeria staff showed me a tweet from Drogba. It said ‘Congratulations Victor. I wish you all the best for the future’.
“I was shocked. I never believed someone like Didier Drogba would tweet those words to a young aspiring striker. It gave me a whole new motivation to succeed.
“Trust me, he has been so helpful. One morning last year I woke up and checked my Instagram, and found messages to me from him, complimenting me, but saying I still had a long way to go. It’s amazing to be in contact with him.
“I try to model my game on his and there are a lot of things I can take from his game and add to my own, so there is nothing better for a young player.
“He’s a hero in his country, he’s played to the highest level, won a lot and made African youngsters dream. He’s a busy man but whenever he sees my messages on Instagram he replies immediately. It’s a great feeling.”
