The name of Didier Drogba has once again made its way into Olympique de Marseille discussions. The Ivorian legend, who once graced the Marseille club, remains etched in memories. This is evidenced by the latest declaration from Jean-Michel Larqué. Reflecting on the legendary status of Alexis Sanchez, Larqué drew comparisons with Drogba.
Alexis Sanchez’s return to the Vélodrome was warmly welcomed by Marseille supporters this week. As he faced France with Chile, he once again treaded the Marseille turf to cheers from the crowd.
Larqué advocates for true legends like Drogba
However, this reaction has sparked confusion for Jean-Michel Larqué. He was present on RMC during the show hosted by Jérôme Rothen this Tuesday, just before the kickoff of the match between France and Chile at the Vélodrome. The Marseille stadium witnessed Alexis Sanchez’s return since his departure from OM. For Jean-Michel Larqué, the overwhelmingly positive reception given to the striker is unjustified, especially when compared to the great goal scorers who have left their mark on the Marseille club’s history. “I reproach them for their lack of knowledge of Olympique de Marseille’s history. I don’t claim that Sanchez is a legend of OM, nor even a mediocre player. He’s a good player, indeed, but he only spent one season here before turning his back on the club. He preferred to join the bench at Inter Milan,” accuses Jean-Michel Larqué, referring to the supporters who idolize Sanchez.
“Moreover, he left, he arrived in Marseille, he had the chance to play and again preferred the bench at Inter to a starting position as a center forward at OM… Just for that, already, for this attitude… I find the word legend very questionable,” Larqué declared, highlighting Sanchez’s choice to leave OM despite a suitable contractual offer. The sports commentator then discussed the comparative context in football, shedding light on the achievements of former OM center forwards.
Didier Drogba, an indelible mark at OM
“If I fantasize or if there are some who fantasize about Alexis Sanchez, they still forget that OM had other center forwards before Alexis Sanchez… And what other center forwards.” Larqué listed illustrious names such as Skoblar, Papin, Drogba, and Niang, underscoring the gap between these club legends and Sanchez. “So yes, he’s better than Mitroglou or Valère Germain or Vitinha, but compared to Skoblar, to Papin, to Drogba, to Niang… Where is he? He’s on the ground floor! No, he’s even in the basement! I agree that he has rendered services. Aubameyang, after 2 and a half months when he was all over the place, is starting to make people forget Sanchez… I don’t think we can fantasize about Alexis Sanchez’s performances. The way he turned his back on the club, just that, doesn’t deserve to make him a legend,” Larqué concluded.
Didier Drogba greatly left his mark on Marseille’s history, that’s undeniable. In 2003, Alain Perrin recruited him from Guingamp. Drogba shone from his debut, providing an assist and scoring a brace and a hat-trick in the Champions League. He ended the season with 19 league goals, leading the team to the UEFA Cup final. Vincent Labrune compared him to Maradona at Napoli. José Mourinho promised to sign him for Chelsea, which he did the following year. Drogba left Marseille after scoring 32 goals in 55 matches. In 2022, So Foot ranked him among the top 1000 players in the French league, at 99th place.
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