Drogba-to-Marseille prospect returns in cyclical fashion

By: Daniel Phan | June 22nd, 2009

It’s intriguing, or rather not – to hear of speculation surrounding the ‘imminent’ return of Didier Drogba to the Vélodrome.

You may ask “Why the pessimism? My answer is simply that it has been a reoccurring scenario that comes and goes in periodical cycles as frequent as Berlusconi makes the Italian tabloids – each instance teasing heartened Marseille fans like myself.

In the past, nothing has ever developed out of the speculation besides endearing words from the Côte d’Ivoire international himself; directed at the Marseille club and its supporters. Though pleasing to the ears of the legion of sky blue fans, its been nothing but friendly communication from Drogba.

Just weeks since Drogba’s latest admission of his affection for Marseille (June 10th) comes a rather ambitious and undoubtedly fan-pleasing ploy from the man ready to step into the Marseille Presidential role vacated by Pape Diouf.

In the wake of the recent administration tragedy that is Diouf’s departure from the organisation – Jean-Claude Dassier, his imminent ~~replacement~~ (Diouf is irreplaceable) has declared a desire in re-attaining the services of the Ivorian goal-getter as he plots his assault on the transfer market in a attempt alleviate frustrations from disenchanted fans after the club’s unpopular decision of ousting Erik Gerets and Pape Diouf.

“Everybody wants it (Didier Drogba back at Marseille). We will see if it is possible and if we can afford it.”

But the question remains; will a Drogba-to-Marseille move ever eventuate?

And if yes – will we witness Cindarella (Marseille) reunite with her Prince (Drogba) in the near future?

Personally – I’d rather not listen to any further Drogba-to-Marseille rumours as all it does is remind football followers the Globe over of the French league’s financial inferiority in contrast to its English and Spanish counterparts.

And with money, or a-lack-of being the variable that determines a club’s level of proficiency or mediocrity – any news linking Drogba to Marseille should remain encapsulated until there is any likelihood of the player’s signature. In my belief that is for the better of the club’s reputation.

Saying that, the ambitious yet honest attempt from OM fans exactly a year ago prior to this date here in raising cash for the re-acquaintance of Drogba is truly inspiring and shows the fans hunger for silverware.

Incidently – Drogba’s one-time strike partner at Chelsea Andriy Shevchenko, currently returning to the West London outfit from a uneventful loan spell at former employers AC Milan has been linked to a move to Marseille. If wage demands are anything to go by, Shevchenko’s astronomical earnings will all but send OM into overdraft!

By the way, this is my first blog entry for this page, nice to meet you all! – I hope to re-acquaint myself as regularly as possible throughout the duration of the coming season, and hopefully beyond. Alongside Magnusson’s leadership I’m adamant that we can form a prolific partnership that likens itself to a possible Eto’o-Drogba combination we all wish for at l’OM. *dreams*