Friday, February 28, 2014

Didier Drogba's book From 'Tito to Drogba' set to be released


Ivorian international and Galatasaray's number one striker, Didier Drogba is known mainly for his successful career as one of Africa's best goal scorers, however, not a lot of people know a lot about his background, or rather, life before football. 

Drogba walked at six months, left home at five and fell in love with the woman who was to become his wife at the tender age of 17- these are some of the landmark events covered in an account of the former Chelsea striker's extraordinary life about to be published in cartoon form in France. 
In case you are concerned about the language barrier, not to worry,  the English edition of the book will be released in Britain, where Drogba is still idolized by fans and supporters from his former club, Chelsea, the story will also be published in Brazil where he is set to play in the World Cup for his country Ivory Coast and off course in Turkey where he currently plays. 

The book  is entitled “From Tito to Drogba” the album traces the life of the 35-year-old from modest roots in Abijan to the summit of World football. The Tito in the title refers to his childhood nickname. It was first published in 2012 in Ivory Coast, Drogba's home where he is regarded as a main source of suppor for the national team, The Elephants. 

He was Born on March 11, 1978, Drogba moved to France at the tender age of 5 to live with his uncle Michel Goba, a professional footballer and his parents calculating that it would give him a better chance in life. He has often spoken of his difficult times and how he had it hard growing up, being home sick and having to deal with moving around a lot as his uncle changed clubs very often. Later, Drogba's parents will later join him in France when he turned 13 and he settled with his family in Paris Suburbsm where Drogba began what was to be an illustrious career at Levallois SC.

"It is a fun way to learn lots of things about me and to show young people that, if they do what I did, they can achieve their objectives."
"The most important thing is to show you can exceed your dreams. For me football has become my job, my way of making a living, and that in turn has allowed me to meet many famous people, to be a UNICEF ambassador."
The man responsible for the album is Gabin Bao, a 36-year-old Ivorian who has spent years on the project, finally convincing the player's advisors it was a good idea.
"I met him several times after we did the deal and he really liked the idea of sending a message to young Africans," Bao told AFP.
Bao's script for the book flirts with caricature at times in its emphasis on the role of hard work in Drogba's ascent.
"Some people say I've made him too perfect. But he is like that," Bao said. "He is very careful about his image because he has a lot of responsibility on his shoulders."

Part of the proceeds from the book sales will go to the Didier Drogba Foundation, which finances health and education projects in Africa.




©2014 AFP


No comments :

Post a Comment