Didier Drogba shows his appreciation to Erling Haaland after the Man City striker kept his Ballon d’Or promise by recreating the Chelsea legend’s iconic goal celebration

• Erling Haaland paid tribute to Didier Drogba after scoring for Manchester City
• Former Chelsea star, Drogba, had asked Haaland to recreate his celebration
• CHRIS SUTTON: Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is a CLOWN – It’s All Kicking Off

Didier Drogba showed his appreciation to Erling Haaland on Tuesday evening after the Man City star recreated the former Chelsea striker’s iconic celebration.

Haaland scored twice as City breezed past Young Boys at the Etihad to secure their spot in the knockout stages of the Champions League, however, it was one of his celebrations that really caught the eye.

Drogba presented part of the awards ceremony at last week’s Ballon d’Or ceremony where Haaland was recognised as the second best men’s player in the world behind Lionel Messi.

The pair conversed at the invite-only ceremony in Paris and Drogba asked Haaland to recognise him next time he scored with a throwback goal celebration.

Drogba is regarded as one of the Premier League’s greatest-ever strikers and scored 164 goals in all competitions during his two tenures at Stamford Bridge.

Erling Haaland recreated an iconic goal celebration in Tuesday’s win over Young Boys

Haaland paid homage to former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba who used to celebrate by pointing his hands to the ground

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His most famous celebration used to see the Ivorian run towards the corner flag while gesturing both hands towards the ground.

Haaland recreated the move after scoring his second goal against Young Boys with a brilliant strike from the edge of the box at the Etihad in the midweek European clash.

His re-creation was appreciated by Drogba on social media who reposted an image of Haaland and him doing the celebration to his Instagram story.

Clearly delighted, Haaland shared the image that Drogba had posted with his 14.8m Instagram followers.

Former Man City defender Joleon Lescott explained the reasoning behind Haaland’s replica goal celebration, explaining to TNT Sports what had been discussed with Drogba.

Drogba had asked Haaland to recreate his iconic celebration when he next scored after the pair met at the Ballon d’Or awards

Drogba and Haaland both posted an image of their matching celebrations on social media

‘At the Ballon d’Or ceremony, Drogba and Gary Lineker questioned him about his loyalties and could he dedicate a celebration the next time he scored.

‘There he has dedicated that to Didier and that is a moment for him.’

Having gone with Drogba’s celebration, Haaland snubbed Lineker, who may have been hoping for the Norwegian to copy him instead.

Lineker’s celebrations throughout his career were slightly less iconic, though, which may explain why Haaland plumped with emulating Drogba. 

Haaland started Tuesday’s Champions League match despite there being concerns over his fitness after being substituted at half time in City’s weekend win over Bournemouth.

However, Pep Guardiola thrust him back into the starting side after an impressive training session and he now has the chance to beat Drogba’s old club when City travel to Stamford Bridge at the weekend. 

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