I have won the respect of English fans, claims Drogba

Didier Drogba believes he has won the respect of the English football fans who loved to hate him when he first arrived in the Premier League.

The 32-year-old striker was often the subject of criticism due to his tendency to fall theatrically under challenges but after recovering from a difficult first year he now believes he is fully appreciated by fans in the top flight.

“I think I am appreciated here now and I am really grateful to the fans in England,” said Drogba, who was last season’s top scorer in the Premier League. “In my first season here I found it difficult to adapt and it was hard for fans to understand me.

“Now people think I am much better and I really love being here. The most important thing for me was to understand the culture of the game in this country.

“Now I have done that and I think I get a lot more respect from everybody in England.”

The Chelsea striker added that he feels under no pressure to win the Champions League before calling time on his career.

“It would not be a big drama for me if I finished my career without winning the Champions League,” he said. “I really want to pick up the trophy but nobody will question my ability or achievements if I don’t do it.”