'I'd like France to win it'

Didier Drogba did not hide his allegiance ahead of tomorrow's World Cup final between France and Croatia. Speaking to reporters at the Moscow Press Centre the 40-year-old Ivorian, who is revered by the world as the best marksman Chelsea have produced, said that he would be rooting for Les Bleus at the Luzhniki Stadium.

However, he added that Croatia would be a tough nut to crack.

“I would like France to win it after 20 years. But at the same time, I have a lot of respect for the Croatia team and for what they have achieved in this tournament. Two days ago, the resilience they showed [against England] their desire to win and the way they played was really amazing. I think they are going to be a tough team to beat,” said the magnificent striker, who scored 164 goals while playing for Chelsea between 2004-2012.

A witty Drogba also entertained the audience with a whole range of topics; from his views on this World Cup to the failures of African teams on the biggest stage.

Asked if he thinks any striker emulated his style in Russia he said: “If I say no, it would sound arrogant. Well, [Romelu] Lukaku is one of those strikers but I also liked the way Mario Mandzukic played. He is physical and technical as well. He has an impact on every game, even when he is not scoring. He is one of the strikers I liked to watch.”

Drogba added that the Russia World Cup was one of the best editions of the tournament and that he believes it's anybody's game.

“I think it's a very interesting World Cup and speaks volumes about what is happening right now in the world with all the borders opening up, allowing players to travel and experience the best leagues– England, Germany, Spain, Italy. Now you can have a player from Bangladesh playing in one of the best leagues. So, it reduces the difference of quality because you learn from the best. We have seen in this World Cup that there are no small teams anymore because all these small players from small countries are playing in the best leagues and return home with knowledge and quality,” he said.

When asked if it was time for someone like Kylian Mbappe or Luka Modric to win the Ballon d'Or, he said he was not the person to judge that, but added that both  players do deserve to win it.

The Ivorian international, who scored 65 goals for his country, also observed that the young England side also impressed him the most along with Japan, Senegal and Morocco. 

Regarding the influx of the new generation of French players, he said it was due to the strong academies in the country.

“I think the quality of the academies in France is top class, one of the best in the world and I believe France won the World Cup in 1998 because three quarters of the team came from Clairefontaine. It's like a certificate when you got out with the knowledge to perform abroad.”

Drogba also mentioned that he does not believe that luck, or the lack of it, caused the early departures of Morocco and Senegal from first stage of the World Cup.

“I really don't believe in luck. I think you have to perform to create that luck, be good enough to bring luck. Its hard work and dedication. I think African teams lack experience – in key moments of the game some decisions will cost you. But that's part of the game. That's how you grow.”

Drogba is one of many for whom 'football is life' but are now 'too old to play'-- even in the Indian Super league -- but he believes that one can always fulfil their dreams if they really want to pursue it.

“I was eight years old and I dreamt of playing a World Cup and lifting the trophy for my country [I could not] but I realised a lot of my other dreams with hard work, dedication and a few sacrifices,” concluded one of most complete strikers from Africa.