Sunday, October 3, 2010

Arsenal's Marouane Chamakh inspired by Zinedine Zidane rather than Chelsea striker Didier Drogba


Arsenal’s Moroccan striker Marouane Chamakh has lit the touch-paper ahead of Sunday afternoon’s heavyweight clash at Stamford Bridge between the Gunners andChelsea by stating that his hero is France legendZinedine Zidane and not fellow African Didier Drogba, the inspiration to so many Africans.

While respecting the Ivorian as a player, Chamakh, when asked if Drogba was his ideal inspiration, abruptly stated: “No,” reserving that accolade for the former Juventus and Real Madrid star, according to The Daily Mail.
“For me it was Zidane. He always made me want to play football and do the right things.

“It gave me strength seeing him and made me want to do the same things.”

Just like Zidane, Chamakh was born in France to African parents, and started his career at Bordeaux, again just like the Frenchman. 

While the Moroccan, who has 53 caps and 27 goals for his country, may not hold fellow African Drogba in the highest regard personally, he does respect his ability and his inspiration to a continent of young kids dreaming of a career in football. He also understands the threat posed to Arsenal by the Blues' striker.
“We obviously have to prevent him from causing us any problems and ensure that he gets as few attempts on goal as possible.

“Drogba has proven himself with Chelsea and for young Africans in France and in Africa he is the player who inspires young people to compete.”

Today's Chelsea v Arsenal clash has the potential to be one of the highlights of the Premier League season so far, with the two African stars both on fire for their respective clubs.
Drogba, who has scored an impressive 12 goals in his last 10 games against Arsenal, has five to his credit already this season, while Chamakh has scored four goals in nine games for the Gunners, whom he joined on a free transfer in the summer after the expiry of his Bordeaux contract.

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