Okocha, Drogba added glamour to english premier league – Ferdinand

Thrills Spectators At ‘Fans Made Of More’ Guinness Event

Manchester United legend, Rio Ferdinand, has revealed that former Super Eagles captain, Austin Jay Jay Okocha, and his Elephant of Cote d’Ivoire counterpart, Didier Drogba, added glamour to the English Premier League in their playing days.

Ferdinand is in Lagos on a three-day visit on the invitation of Guinness Nigeria for its project ‘Fans Made Of More,’ which is aimed at discovering football talents.
 
Speaking with journalists yesterday at Guinness head office in Ikeja, the 40-year-old ex-Red devils center-back narrated his encounter with some African players, including Okocha and Drogba during their playing days.

“Okocha was one of Nigerian players who added so much glamour to the English Premier League. He lifted the EPL in his days with Bolton with his skill. But my greatest African player in the EPL was Drogba. He made great sacrifices for his club. Drogba always scored late goals, making it impossible for their opponents to equalize. He is a great legend.”

On the Guinness ‘Fans Made Of More’ football project, Ferdinand said: “What is great about this partnership is that Guinness is an iconic brand. This is my second visit to Nigeria, and I must commend the people for their passion for football.”

Ferdinand also spoke on his days at Manchester United saying: “There is big difference between our era and now. Then, even the fans knew who would play, but now, you don’t know who is going to play. Even the manager Jose Mourinho don’t know who will play because of injuries, suspension and others.”

The Managing Director Guinness Nigeria, Baker Magunda, hinted that Ferdinand would be at the stadium to thrill Lagos soccer fans today. “He will also watch the Southampton versus Manchester United match with the fans in the evening.” Magunda stated.