Sunday, 14th October, 2012
Didier Drogba has dismissed concerns over the amount of money footballers earn and with it astonished reactions over how much he is currently picking up in China.
The powerful Ivorian striker ended a hugely successful seven-year stint at Chelsea at the end of last season, choosing to move to Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua.
relatedNewsStoryIn China, Drogba is believed to be pocketing a salary of €12M per year, a truly breathtaking amount for a 34-year-old.
But the striker sees no problem with the amount he and other players earn. Indeed, Drogba believes that players deserve whatever they are paid and can often unfairly be painted in a poor light.
"If you work hard, you will be rewarded – it’s that simple. There will always be a shocked reaction to salaries, especially in France", the former Marseille man told French sports magazine Le 10 Sport.
"But in the cities the pay is even greater", he added.
"There is much jealousy of professional footballers. People think that you have no brains and only chase the ball, scoring goals to earn millions.
"But in life you get what you deserve."
And Drogba once again defended his decision to move to China, when he could likely have remained at the top of the European game.
"I wanted to try a different culture, a different world experience.
"This experience is different to what I am used to. I enjoy playing in China, even though it is different to London, where my children live.
"This country has long been closed to the outside world, but things are changing."
Currently, Drogba’s Shanghai Shenhua sit mid-table in the Chinese Super League.
The club lost their last game 4-2 away at Guizhou Renhe, with Drogba scoring a consolation of sorts in the 89th minute for the visitors.
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