• Football news

Ivory Coast 'mad' to discount Drogba

ESPN staff
June 18, 2013
Didier Drogba has not featured for the Ivory Coast since February © Getty Images
Enlarge

Ivory Coast coach Sabri Lamouchi has told Didier Drogba he still has a future in the national team, saying he "would be mad" not to use the Galatasaray striker's prodigious talents.

Drogba, 35, has not played for his country since their surprise quarter-final exit at the African Nations Cup in February, missing out as the Elephants moved into a two-legged play-off - the last step en route to Brazil 2014 - with a win over Tanzania on Sunday.

However, the former Marseille and Chelsea forward looks likely to be back for August's friendly with Mexico after Lamouchi, 41, told RMC the two-time African Footballer of the Year merely "needed a holiday" and remains fundamental to his plans.

"I don't have a problem with him. Quite the contrary," Lamouchi, who took the Ivory Coast job in May 2012, said. "Of course he's someone on whom I count, he knows that.

"I would be mad not to take advantage of the player and man he is. I knew the player, but the man is a gentleman and a great professional.

"He brings a lot to the national team, to the country and Africa in general. We'll see him again in a national team shirt, no problem.

"It's just that he needs to do a good pre-season. He still has a lot to offer even if it's only his experience. Didier Drogba is ready to come to the national side even if he doesn't play."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices