07 November 2023 , 22:59
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Manchester City striker Erling Haaland kept his promise to former Chelsea star Didier Drogba as his team beat Young Boys, delighting Chelsea fans who still have fond memories of the Ivorian.
Drogba scored countless Champions League goals for Chelsea, with his most valuable contribution coming in 2012 when they beat Bayern Munich to win the competition. After many of those goals, he delivered a trademark celebration, pumping his arms out by his side.
Haaland met the former Blues star at the recent Ballon d'Or ceremony, with Drogba encouraging the Norwegian to either emulate his celebration or the celebration favoured by Match of the Day host Gary Lineker in his playing days. Haaland said he would decide in the moment, and it was Drogba whwo won out.
"We'll see next goal," Haaland had said. "I celebrate in the moment, so I'll think of both of you when I score my next goal and will decide!"
Haaland needed just over 20 minutes to find the net against Young Boys of Switzerland, putting away a penalty to give his team the lead. It didn't go unnoticed, with a number of fans clearly pleased by the development.
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"Respect from one current great to a great in his time," wrote one, while "Didier Drogba is a legend" was the simple reply from another. Drogba shared the clip on his own Instagram account, hailing Haaland as a man of his word.
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Erling Haaland emulated Didier Drogba's celebration (Getty Images)After Haaland's early penalty, Phil Foden doubled City's lead before half-time. Haaland scored his second after the break, with the 3-0 victory meaning City are through to the knockout stages with a game to spare and need just one point next time out to top their group.
"Of course we are incredibly happy to have qualified with two games left," City manager Pep Guardiola told TNT Sports after the win. "Finish first. We have time to think about it.
"Maybe we were not... clinical is not the right word... not clear, sweet, soft enough in the last moment to score more goals. But I love to see the team.
"The word that define this group of players for many years is the consistency. We have high standards and and that is why we are still in the Premier League up there and qualified from the Champions League.
"People say 'yeah, the group stage, it is easy', but you have to do it. In life, you have to do it when people expect you to do it. Two games left. Leipzig are the toughest opponents in this group and we have to try and finish further. It is important in the last 16 to have the weapon of second game at home rather than away."