Didier Drogba in an interview for ‘Against Racism’:

“It happened in the time I played for Chelsea. One day we had a public training and many fans were there to watch us.

A young boy waved, so I just went over to him, I thought he wants an autograph. When i stood in front of him i asked him ‘Hey young mister, do you want an autograph?’ He called me a Nigger. His father got angry and told his son that he mustn’t say this word. I told him I’ll do this. I went on my knees and looked the young boy in his eyes and said ‘Look, I’m black and you’re white, now i’ll show you something…’ I took his hand and led it to my Chest…. ‘Can you feel it? I have a heartbeat – like you. I have two hands – like you. And I have two feets too – like you! When I get hurt I say ‘ouch’ – like you do! Do you realize something ??? We’re both humans, no matter If I’m black or white.’ The boy started to cry and ran into his father’s arms. He had tears in his eyes too. I gave the young boy my jersey as a sign of my respect”