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
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