Drogba chooses his finalist between Arsenal and PSG… and it’s unexpected!

Olympique de Marseille celebrated its 125th anniversary in grand style on Friday night, with the iconic Stade Vélodrome buzzing with emotions, memories, and nostalgia. Former players, club legends, and special guests graced the occasion — but one man stole the spotlight like he always used to on the pitch: Didier Drogba.

The Ivorian legend, whose brief yet electrifying season with OM in 2003–2004 made him a cult hero among the Marseille faithful, was welcomed with a roaring ovation. From the moment he stepped onto the pitch for the legends’ game, chants of “Drogba! Drogba!” echoed around the stadium like a familiar anthem returning home.

Drogba’s presence at the celebration was more than symbolic — it was emotional. For many OM fans, he remains one of the greatest “what could have been” stories. His departure to Chelsea after just one year still stings, but his heart has clearly remained tethered to the Marseille cause.

As expected, the media swarmed him in the mixed zone. While many questions were asked about his time at Marseille, his views on African football, and his legacy, one question stirred curiosity more than the rest — who does Drogba want to see in the Champions League final: Arsenal or Paris Saint-Germain?

The question wasn’t a simple footballing one — it was loaded with rivalry, history, and loyalty. After all, Drogba is a Chelsea legend — a club that shares a bitter rivalry with Arsenal. At the same time, Marseille fans would shudder at the idea of supporting PSG, their eternal rivals.

With a knowing smile and an unmistakable twinkle in his eye, Drogba replied: “Do you really want to know the answer? Neither team. But I think it’s good for French football that a team gets this far. Good luck to them.”

That diplomatic yet cheeky answer set off a wave of reactions across social media. While some praised Drogba for maintaining neutrality, others read between the lines — especially his subtle jab at PSG, the club Marseille fans love to hate.

When pressed further about the possibility of a PSG triumph in the Champions League, Drogba didn’t hold back. His response, laced with irony, delivered the knockout punch: “A suffering? Honestly? No comment! That’s the truth. Good for them, but it won’t change anything. ‘À jamais les premiers’, as we say.”

Those last four words — “À jamais les premiers” — carry weight in French football. It’s the slogan OM fans proudly chant to remind the world that Marseille remains the only French club to have won the Champions League, back in 1993. PSG’s millions and modern dominance haven’t erased that singular achievement.

It’s clear that for Drogba, no matter how far PSG go or how many superstars they recruit, OM’s historic place in Europe remains untouchable. The rivalry isn’t just between two clubs — it’s between two identities, two cultures, and two visions of football.

But what about Arsenal? As a Chelsea icon, one would expect Drogba to steer well clear of supporting the Gunners. Yet, his silence on Arsenal was equally intriguing. No jab, no compliment — just avoidance. Perhaps silence spoke louder than words.

Then came the unexpected twist. When asked who he would prefer to see lift the trophy, Drogba smiled again and said: “Honestly, I hope the winner between Barcelona and Inter Milan takes it. That would be my choice.”

That revelation shifted the spotlight entirely. Neither Arsenal nor PSG — Drogba’s heart seems to lie with the other semifinal. It’s a wish rooted in rivalry, but perhaps also admiration for two clubs that have earned their places through gritty performances in recent years.

Barcelona, still rebuilding post-Messi, and Inter Milan, returning to Europe’s elite under Inzaghi, offer footballing narratives Drogba appears to respect. His preference for a non-English and non-French club might also reflect his own pan-European legacy, having played in England, France, and Turkey.

Ultimately, Drogba’s comments serve as a reminder that football loyalties are never simple. His affection for Marseille, his legendary status at Chelsea, and his competitive spirit combine to create a man who sees beyond headlines and form charts.

What’s certain is that Didier Drogba hasn’t lost his charisma — and whether on the pitch or in front of microphones, he still knows how to create a buzz. His statements will likely be debated by fans in France and England alike.

For Marseille supporters, his jabs at PSG were music to the ears. For Arsenal fans, the lack of criticism might be seen as a small win. And for PSG fans — well, the rivalry with OM just found a new spark.

As the Champions League drama unfolds, Drogba’s voice adds a fascinating layer to the narrative. And regardless of who lifts the trophy in June, Marseille fans will continue to proudly chant: “À jamais les premiers.”