Drogba admits liking for Stadium of Light

Last updated : 04 April 2008 By TBC
The Ivory Coast international believes France's Ligue 1 is suffering due to its 'old-fashioned' venues.

"What do we do in France for French football?" Drogba asked in the French version of Sport.

"We don't stop complaining about the level of the league, we say that Le Championnat is not good, and this, and that…

"To keep youngster like Benzema, like Ben Arfa, like Yohann Pele we have to propose new solutions, but which ones?

"First of all we should improve the French stadiums and make them look younger. It's obvious.

"That may not be the reason why young players move abroad, but that is one of the reasons. French stadiums are old fashioned.

"Just go to Sunderland. Their stadium can't welcome 50,000 fans but it's simple, welcoming, close to the players, a bit like Caen's.

"This kind of venue is the basis in England. There it's always sold out. There is passion and enthusiasm everywhere.

"Honestly, it's exciting. Besides, people spend. They make the club's business work, but the region as well.

"The tax system has to change in France as well if we want to keep our best players. And we should stop saying French youngsters are not good, that they are less experienced than the young foreigners.

"In England, as soon as a young Englishman scores a goal in the League Cup quarter finals, he is hailed. The media speak about him like if he is the new Maradona.

"They expose their players but protect them as well. They are extremely protective. Basically, we can make efforts and it has a price, or continue like that, selling our best players each season and make the clubs lose their status.

"But then don't come to complain afterwards. Contrary to what I hear here and there, France has not become a small European nation. I believe in cycles. Right now it's not about smiles for French clubs.

"But four years ago, two teams played European cup finals [Monaco in the Champions League and Marseille in the Uefa Cup]."