New Delhi: Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has insisted that he is not a 'diver', claims that opposition fans can boo him all they like.
Drogba, whose goal in the 1-1 draw with Malawi ensured the Ivory Coast's place in the World Cup finals in South Africa next summer, was jeered by Liverpool fans throughout Chelsea's 2-0 Premier League win prior to the international break.
Said Drogba in an interview with Nuts Magazine: "I think the Chelsea fans appreciate what I do for the team, which is the most important thing."
Said Drogba in an interview with Nuts Magazine: "I think the Chelsea fans appreciate what I do for the team, which is the most important thing.
"I always work hard for my team-mates. Other fans? Well, it's their job to dislike opposition players, isn't it? Being booed is no problem."
The Ivorian suggested that playing as a target man puts a bullseye on his back for defenders, and that it's the pace of the game which causes him to often tumble.
"I'm a target for my team mates, getting the ball and setting up attacks – and scoring goals. Defenders also see me as a target because of this. When you play the game at great speed, it requires very little contact to put you off balance. And I'm never afraid to put my body in the way for my team, up front or in defence. People forget that I defend well, too!"
Drogba, who has scored six times in the Premier League this season, has admitted that staff changes at Chelsea has unsettled him in the past, but believes that he is settled under Carlo Ancelotti.
"I've been through a lot – different coaches have different methods and, sometimes, that wasn't the best for me. But I'm enjoying my football. This club is my home, the team is my family. I want to stay here for a long time.
"The coach [Ancelotti] has been excellent for all of us," he added.
"He's come in and brought us together. Tactically, he's very clever and communicates well. He saw that we have talented players and he creates a frame for us to perform at our best."
Drogba went on to praise strike partner Nicolas Anelka, who has scored five goals so far this season, suggesting that the pair have proved critics wrong by showing that Chelsea are a "great team."
"He's one of the best strikers in the world and he's very different to me because we operate in different areas. He helps me to score and I like to help him."
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