Didier Drogba's first visit to Japan! ~The secrets of Chelsea and the growth of Japanese soccer~

First, he answered questions from the press during a pre-event press conference.

--Welcome to Japan. Could you tell us the purpose of your visit?

DrogbaI've come to Japan as an ambassador for Yokohama Rubber and Chelsea FC. Since signing a sponsorship agreement with Yokohama Rubber in 2015, Chelsea has won the league title once and the FC Cup once. I want to help more people in Japan learn about Chelsea.

--Chelsea has announced they will be playing in Japan next July. What does playing in Japan mean for Chelsea?



DrogbaI think this will be a wonderful opportunity for both the club and the players. They will be able to meet Japanese fans and enjoy Japanese culture. I have only been in Japan for 24 hours so far, but I have already enjoyed the food, shopping, and interacting with Japanese culture and fans.

The Chelsea players will surely enjoy their stay in Japan. Furthermore, Chelsea's visit to Japan will strengthen the partnership between Chelsea and Yokohama Rubber. Yokohama Rubber became a sponsor of Chelsea because they share the same values as Chelsea.

Yokohama Rubber's motto is "DRIVE FOR MORE," which is the same philosophy as Chelsea. Chelsea has won several titles so far, but we want to win many more titles and continue to grow. We want to succeed together with Yokohama Rubber.  

--You recently announced your retirement. You've played in six different countries so far, but what was your football career like, having played at the top level for so many years?

  
DrogbaFirst of all, as a player, I enjoyed playing in different leagues in different countries, and I think I was able to make an impact wherever I played, so I'm happy with my career. I played in France, England, China, Turkey, and the United States, and I'm happy because things went well wherever I went.

Furthermore, playing in various countries was a wonderful experience for me as a person. I was able to visit countries all over the world and experience new cultures.

Furthermore, I learned the wonderfulness of respecting and accepting the culture of another country, and adapting to that culture myself. I believe I have become a "global citizen" who can adapt to various cultures around the world.

--Could you tell us what you consider to be your best match and best goal during your time at Chelsea?

DrogbaIt's hard to choose just one, but my best match would probably be the Champions League game against Napoli at Stamford Bridge. We had lost 3-1 away, so it was a match we absolutely had to win. The atmosphere in the stadium was amazing, and it was a fast-paced game with no time to catch your breath. That match is one of my best matches from my time at Chelsea.

It's difficult to choose just one best goal, but if I had to pick the most important goal I scored during my time at Chelsea, I would say it was the one I scored in the Champions League final. It was the equalizer I scored when we were trailing. That goal gave Chelsea a second chance, forced extra time, and ultimately led to us winning the championship.  

--What would you say is your best goal in the Premier League?

DrogbaI don't think many people would consider this my best goal, but I'd like to mention the goal I scored against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

I connected with Ashley Cole's cross, but it hit the crossbar, then the post, and went into the top corner. I think it was a top-class goal that you could call a true striker's goal. It's one of my favorite goals of all the goals I've scored.

--Chelsea suffered their first defeat of the season against Spurs the other day. What are your thoughts on Chelsea's current performance?

  
DrogbaChelsea are in great form this season. Tottenham are London rivals, so it's frustrating to lose to them, but that day was bound to come eventually.

I hope they can bounce back from this defeat and continue racking up wins. Their ultimate goal is to win the league title. Clubs like Chelsea are expected to win every season. I think they've had a good start this season towards winning the title.

-- Do you have any desire to become a national team or club manager?

DrogbaTo become a manager, you need a license, but I don't have that license yet. The first job I've had since retiring as a player is as an ambassador for Yokohama Rubber and Chelsea, and I'm happy with it (laughs). It's the perfect job for me, and I'm enjoying it.

I plan to take some time to think about what kind of work I should do. If I choose to become a director, I intend to work hard to succeed as a director. Similarly, if I choose any other job, I will do my best.

--You've played against the Japanese national team before. What are your impressions of Japanese soccer?

  
DrogbaI played against the Japanese national team in 2014. And when I watched the Japan vs. Colombia match on TV during this World Cup, I could immediately see how much the Japanese national team had improved.

Compared to four years ago, the team has matured considerably. That's wonderful. Four years ago, the Japanese national team played against Ivory Coast, the team I was on, and although they took the lead, they couldn't hold on and lost 2-1. The match against Colombia was similar; they took the lead but were caught up to, but this time they managed to secure a magnificent victory. I think the match four years ago was a good lesson for them. It was a great World Cup for the Japanese national team.  　

As the fan event began, she appeared on stage greeting everyone in perfect Japanese, saying, "Hello, Tokyo!" Cheers erupted from the large crowd of fans gathered there.

--Could you tell us the purpose of your visit to Japan?

DrogbaI've come to Japan as an ambassador for Yokohama Rubber and Chelsea FC to convey how important this partnership is. Chelsea and Yokohama Rubber share the same values: a constant pursuit of success and continuous progress.

--Is this your first time in Tokyo?

Drogba: This is my first time. But this won't be my last visit!

--What do you think of seeing all the Chelsea fans gathered here from here?

Drogba: You're asking me?! Look at this! Isn't it amazing! Thank you so much for supporting Chelsea for so many years. We can see jerseys from every season. 2012, 2015, 2008, 2010... You all are truly amazing!

--What are some of your most memorable experiences from your time at Chelsea? 

Drogba: I have many memories, but the Champions League final is definitely the most memorable. How did you all feel when I scored the equalizer? (The assembled fans begin singing Drogba's chant) Yes, I felt just like you all do now. I went crazy (laughs).

-- Are there any particularly memorable moments from your time at Chelsea?

Drogba: It was when we played under manager Carlo Ancelotti and won the league title by beating Wigan 8-0 in the final match. We also won the Golden Boot. (To a fan wearing a wig) David Luiz, thank you for your support!

--Of all the teammates you played with at Chelsea, who do you think was the best player?

DrogbaI learned a lot from all my teammates, but there was one player who stood out as outstanding. Most of the goals I scored were assisted by that player. That player is Frank Lampard.

After training, he and I would always stay at the practice field to practice together or try to come up with new training methods. This was because we would sometimes be able to do the exercises we had done two or three days earlier with ease, and that made us realize we needed to do more difficult exercises.

That's how we honed our skills and started scoring more goals. I learned so much from Frank.

--Your former Chelsea teammate, Fernando Torres, is currently playing for Sagan Tosu in the J.League. What kind of player was Torres? 

 
DrogbaHe was a fantastic teammate. I'm happy about what he did a couple of days ago. He scored an important goal to keep his team in the top division. Top players perform in big games. Scoring a goal in what was a big game for him is proof that he's a top player.

At the same time, Nando is a really great guy. I wish he could have played for Chelsea longer, but we still made some great memories together. Winning the Champions League was a fantastic experience for both him and me, because I knew how difficult it is to succeed as a striker for a team like Chelsea.

--What do you think of Chelsea this season?  

DrogbaThey're doing well this season. They lost to Tottenham yesterday, but I hope they win the league title.

--Can Chelsea win the league this season?

Drogba: Of course! I believe in my team! That said, it will be a tough fight. Man United... no, Man City are in very good form. But I think Chelsea have become a team that can beat City, and in fact, I think they can.

--Now, a question from the fans. Could you tell us what led you to start playing as a forward?

DrogbaWhen I started playing football, I played as a right-back, an attacking full-back who even scored goals. Then my uncle told me, "Why are you playing as a full-back? You should be a striker. Everyone in our family is a striker." So I started playing as a striker, and I scored 40 goals that season.

--Now, a question from someone in the audience. If you were playing for Chelsea this season, how many goals do you think you would score?

DrogbaI don't know how many points we'll score, but I'll do my best for the team. I can promise you that much.

 　
After the event ended, Drogba took a selfie with the assembled fans using his smartphone and left the venue amidst loud cheers and applause.　

This event, which allowed fans to witness a legendary striker who has left his mark on football history and hear his words directly, was a dream come true that they will never forget. It was made possible thanks to a fortunate encounter between a club and sponsors who share the same values.

Chelsea will also be holding a preseason match in Japan next July. The partnership between Chelsea and Yokohama Rubber seems to be getting stronger year by year.