E1 Series: Didier Drogba, Virat Kohli and LeBron James among big names investing in powerboat racing

Despite a glittering career which saw Drogba win four Premier League titles and the Champions League with Chelsea, the two-time African Footballer of the Year has so far decided against a move into coaching.

But the 47-year-old says he is now channelling the leadership qualities of his former coaches and team-mates into his new position.

“I’m lucky to have had a diversity of managers, a diversity of knowledge, and I learned a lot.

“Even players who showed great leadership, like John Terry, Frank Lampard, Michael Ballack, Petr Cech – all these guys.

“I try to be like a sponge and take the best out of them, as a leader trying to reproduce it, but in my own way.”

While competition in E1 is fierce on the water, it is just as intense away from it, according to a smiling Drogba.

“I decided not to bring too much of my competitiveness, otherwise I will destroy them like I destroyed all the strikers I was in competition with,” he laughed when discussing his rivalry with the other owners.

“These guys are really nasty on this WhatsApp group.

“I thought Rafa [Nadal] was a nice guy, always gentle, polite. But I’ve read what he said a few times and I’m not happy about it so I will have to change gears.”

With DJ Steve Aoki and Puerto Rican singer Marc Anthony, huge names in North America and beyond, also team owners, the rivalry between the stars is clearly one of E1’s biggest draws.

It has led organisers to target a valuation of £500m ($675m) for the competition in the next five years.

“It can only grow with the energy that all the owners are putting in,” said Drogba.

“When we first started, I think it was me, Rafa, Marc and Steve.

“Now the list is becoming bigger with Tom Brady, Will Smith, LeBron James. Hopefully we’ll have a female owner too because this is really important.”

Also on Drogba’s list is a race in Ivory Coast, with Abidjan a likely venue because of its lagoon which mirrors Lagos’ waterways.

“There’s some technical specifications that you must require to organise the race, but I think we have everything here [Abidjan] to host,” he added.

“We proved it with the Africa Cup of Nations. This is something that must happen.”

Source link