Ivorian retired professional footballer who played as a striker, Didier Drogba has bagged the 2020 UEFA President’s Award winner.
The former Chelsea FC player who also captained the Ivory Coast national team while still playing is obviously an all-time top scorer, AFNews understands.
Drogba’s award was announced on Wednesday, September 30, 2020, on the official website of the UEFA.
AFNews understands that the striker was picked as the recipient of the 2020 UEFA President’s Award by Aleksander Ceferin, with the UEFA President selecting the Ivorian for his “commitment to excellence both on and off the pitch”.
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Speaking on the Ivorian’s exceptional style of play and exemplary qualities, Aleksander Ceferin said, “Didier is a hero to millions of football fans for his achievements throughout his glittering playing career. He is a leader – a pioneer. I will remember him as a player for his skill, strength and intelligence, but above all for his insatiable appetite to succeed – a trait which is just as present in his desire to help others off the field of play.”
Ceferin further applauded Drogba’s desire to help improve the lives of children in developing countries following his retirement.
Drogba is the second African-born winner of the UEFA President’s Award after the great Eusébio, who received the accolade in 2009, AFNews understands.
UEFA in a tweet on its verified Twitter account on Wednesday disclosed that Drogba will receive the honour at Thursday’s #UCL draw in Geneva.
See the tweet below;
🏅 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀, @didierdrogba! 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟬 𝗨𝗘𝗙𝗔 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁'𝘀 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱!#UEFAawards pic.twitter.com/bEnZhmSM86
— UEFA (@UEFA) September 29, 2020
⚽ UEFA president, Aleksander Čeferin – “@didierdrogba is a hero to millions of football fans for his achievements throughout his glittering playing career. He is a leader – a pioneer.”
🏅 Drogba will receive the award at the #UCL draw in Geneva.
Full #UEFAawards story: 👇
— UEFA (@UEFA) September 29, 2020