• Premier League

Bony wants to follow in Drogba's footsteps

ESPN staff
July 12, 2013
Wilfired Bony admitted that Didier Drogba encouraged him to move to Swansea © Getty Images
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Swansea recruit Wilfried Bony is hoping to emulate the exploits of countryman Didier Drogba's time at Chelsea after signing a four-year deal with the Welsh club.

Bony, 24, became the Swans' record signing after securing a transfer from Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem for €12 million on Thursday.

That figure was more than double what the club spent on Pablo Hernandez last season, but is likely to pay dividends for Michael Laudrup's side if the Ivorian can match his tally of 36 goals in the Netherlands last season.

Bony revealed his international compatriot Drogba, who scored 157 goals in 341 appearances for Chelsea, encouraged him to move to the Liberty Stadium and admitted he is hopeful of etching his name into Premier League history like the Galatasaray striker.

"Didier had a big career and scored a lot of goals in the Premier League, but I hope to do the same or more," Bony said, according to the Mirror. "I have spoken to him. He said congratulations and he is proud of me. He is a big inspiration for me. I have to listen to his advice and try to do what I can by giving my best.

"I will have to work hard because the Premier League is the next level up. He knows that if I believe then I can do well. Didier said Swansea was a good team who play very good football.

"There are not many teams in the UK who play like that. He said he knows how I play and I will enjoy playing for Swansea. He thinks I have made a good decision."

Despite the attention he attracted last season and the hefty price it took to prise him away from Vitesse, Bony insists he will not be fazed by the pressure he faces to perform.

"It is a big transfer fee, but it is only a number. The most important thing is the team and the people involved in that," Bony added. "The transfer has been a long process, but I'm happy that everything is done now.

"I am now only thinking about the team and playing football. I have power and strength and I hope to bring what I know and do the most - score goals. I hope to replicate my form from last season and I think the style of football at Swansea will suit me."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
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