Who is Didier Drogba?

Drogba ended Newcastle’s hopes of reaching the UEFA Cup final with a couple of well-taken goals in Thursday night’s semi-final second leg at the Stade Velodrome.

Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren was already well aware of Drogba’s ability after having him monitored earlier this season.

But McClaren will surely face strong competition for the player’s signature if he firms up his interest in the summer.

Drogba has been touted as the next star to move from France to Arsenal while Fulham boss Chris Coleman apparently earmarked him as a replacement for Louis Saha.

He could also be offered a chance to parade his talents in Serie A, with Milan and Inter both reportedly tracking him.

Marseille’s march to the UEFA Cup final caps a memorable season for Drogba after he was named by his fellow professionals as the Player of the Year in France.

The Ivory Coast international started his career with Le Mans before making his name at Guingamp.

After scoring 17 goals in 34 games for Guingamp, Drogba was signed by Marseilles for an undisclosed fee last summer.

He was secured on a contract until 2008, but Marseille may be under pressure to cash in on him if they receive a big-money offer.

Didier Drogba Stat Pack

Date of Birth: 11 March 1978
Place of Birth: Abidjan, Ivory Coast
Height: 188cm
Weight: 74kg