Drogba ready to trade records for trophies

LONDON (AFP) - Didier Drogba is in the form of his life but the Chelsea striker would be happy not to score another goal if it means his side can win the Champions League.

Drogba is on the verge of becoming the first player to score 30 goals for Chelsea in a single season since Kerry Dixon in 1985.

The Ivory Coast forward has already bagged 29 goals so far this term and could emulate Dixon's achievement against Porto in the Champions League second round, second leg on Tuesday.

But he would gladly swap a place in the record books for the chance to get his hands on a Champions League winners' medal in Athens in May.

Drogba said: "I know how big Dixon was for Chelsea. It would be something great for me to reach his record, but there is no interest for me to score if we don't win.

"It would mean nothing special if we don't win this competition.

"I want my team to win and everybody to be happy. Even if I don't score until the end of the season it is not a problem if we win the Champions League and the FA Cup."

Drogba believes Chelsea can cope with the pressure of chasing Premiership leaders Manchester United, as well as trying to win Chelsea's first Champions League crown.

He said: "The only pressure is being second and having to win every game until the end of the season. Of course (Jose) Mourinho helped us but we are big players and can deal with the pressure."

Drogba has been the driving force behind Chelsea's bid to win all four major trophies this season.

He has already received recognition of his prowess after being named African Player of the Year and is in the running to win the English version of the award as well.

Only Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo has made as much impact as Drogba this season, but the Chelsea star claims his Stamford Bridge team-mate Michael Essien would be equally deserving of the prize.

Ghana midfielder Essien has had to play in central defence in the second half of the season after injuries to John Terry and Khalid Boulahrouz.

Drogba said: "Everyone is speaking about Ronaldo and me but there are players like Essien and Paul Scholes who are having good seasons, so it is difficult to choose one.

"Essien is doing a lot. If I am voting for a player he deserves something big because he has made a great contribution."

After being condemned for some lacklustre displays and his occasional theatrics in the last two seasons, former Marseille star Drogba has won over the critics.

Chelsea boss Mourinho insists Drogha deserves all the credit for his transformation.

"It is different for a striker playing in this country and they need time to adapt," he said. "When we brought Didier we knew he had qualities to play the English game. That was our vision.

"He has improved year after year and at this moment he is at the top of his game. He has all the responsibiltiy for his improvement. For sure he is one of the players whose performance all over the season makes him a candidate for player of the year."

Source: AFP (by Steve Griffiths)