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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
ALEX YOUNG

New Chelsea signing Hakim Ziyech wants to emulate Didier Drogba at Stamford Bridge

New Chelsea signing Hakim Ziyech says he wants to hit the same heights as Didier Drogba when he completes his move from Ajax.

The Morrocan is set to join the Blues on July 1 after agreeing a £37.8million move in February.

Ziyech says he has been a fan of the Premier League for years and has set his sights on replicating one of the league's best ever players.

'The Premier League is a great competition, especially because of the fast thinking, technical players," he continued.

'As a kid, I've always dreamed about this. I watched the games Chelsea, Arsenal and Man Utd played and players like Didier Drogba, Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and David Beckham, you name them. I want the same thing.

'Is it the best competition in the world? I don't know. I also admire La Liga, but the Premier League is definitely the most intense.

"I don't like to take the easiest way, because you're not challenging yourself when you do. I like challenges. Those make me stronger and keep me sharp."

Drogba made 381 appearance for Chelsea, over two spells, scoring 163 goals. He won the Premier League four times and Champions League once, among other silverware.

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