Chelsea legend Didier Drogba has celebrated Victor Osimhen with a special handwritten message, Soccernet.ng reports.
The former Cote d’Ivoire international, on a Chelsea jersey gifted to Osimhen, called the Super Eagles star the new king of Africa.
Drogba penned the tribute on a shirt he gifted to Osimhen to acknowledge the Galatasaray striker’s status in the football world.
What Drogba wrote on the jersey
Didier Drogba personally signed a shirt for Victor Osimhen and penned an emotional message to celebrate the Super Eagles striker.
The message read: “Long live the new king of Africa, my brother, Osimhen.”
The photo, recently shared by Asiwaju Lerry, adds to previous occasions where Drogba praised the Lagos-born striker. In a previous report by Soccernet.ng, the former Galatasaray star admitted that some Ivorian fans criticised him for strongly supporting a Nigerian talent.
What Osimhen said about Drogba
Osimhen has never hidden his admiration for Drogba, often emphasising how the former Chelsea striker shaped his football journey.
Speaking to UEFA about his inspirations, Osimhen explained how Drogba influenced his style of play:
“In the footballing aspect, it was Drogba because I saw him and I tried to model my game to his, and I tried to see how he plays, and how he’s living life outside of football. I have to be grateful for that man because for all I am now, I think I attribute some of my successes to him.”
Osimhen added that studying Drogba’s qualities helped him grow into one of Europe’s most sought-after strikers, much like the former Chelsea great in his prime.
Osimhen’s role model as Drogba
The Nigerian forward has often spoken about how Drogba served as his blueprint for success, both on and off the pitch.
Osimhen shared that while his brother inspired him in life, Drogba shaped his football identity.
“For me, he’s my brother in life, also, and then, in football, it’s Didier Drogba. He was the one that I actually picked to see the way he plays, to try to add some of his qualities.”
At just 26, Osimhen has already scored over 120 career goals and won the CAF African Player of the Year award. As he continues his rise, the Super Eagles striker will be aiming to reach even greater heights.