A top striker in Europe has now revealed he chose to represent an African nation instead of his place of birth because he was inspired by Ivorian icon Didier Drogba.
Born in Laval in France, Olympique Marseille star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could have represented Les Bleus at senior international level, having worn the French colours at youth level.
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Having recently been crowned the Best African Player in Ligue 1 this season thanks to his 27 goals and 11 assists in all competitions so far, the striker has now opened up about opting to represent Gabon instead.
With his debut coming all the way back in 2009, Aubameyang revealed in an interview with L'Equipe that it was Drogba who inspired him to choose Africa
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"Drogba… When I played in Dijon (2008-2009), I lived with my best friend and my mother, and a DVD was released on Drogba, his career, his time at OM," the former Arsenal and Chelsea star explained.
"A DVD L'Equipe d'ailleurs [Didier Drogba, The Incredible Destiny, published in 2007]. I watched him over and over, I said to myself: 'It's crazy, he explodes at 30' (26, in fact).
"At that time, I had to make my choice for Gabon. But in fact I didn't hesitate, it made me want to do the same thing, what he represented for his country, it was an incredible source of inspiration."
Speaking to France24 after being named the best African player in the French top flight, the 34-year-old was asked about eclipsing Drogba in Marseille's all-time scoring chart – Aubameyang is now five goals away from equalling the Ivory Coast legend's 32-goal record.
"I think there is no comparison possible: Drogba remains Drogba. It's a legend. Afterwards, I am very happy and very proud that people think about it. But we are two completely different players. He is the legend, and I want to continue writing my story," he said.
"I had the opportunity to tell him that he was my idol when I was younger. I don't know if he realises it but he is someone who has inspired a lot of people around the world, particularly me, in my career and my African journey. He inspired a generation with his talent and his work."
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