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Chelsea icon Didier Drogba has accepted a challenge set by Arsenal legend Thierry Henry to wear the Gunners' merchandise if they break the Blues' long-standing defensive record.
Drogba is widely considered to be one of the best strikers of his generation and in the history of the Premier League. The Ivorian racked up 164 goals and 82 assists in 381 appearances for Chelsea, inspiring his side to four Premier League titles, four FA Cup titles, three EFL Cup titles and one UEFA Champions League title.
On the other hand, Henry smashed all forms of records en route to becoming one of the best forwards of all time. During his time at Arsenal (1999-2007), he bagged 228 goals and 101 assists in 377 games across all competitions, winning back-to-back EPL titles (2002-03 and the invincible 2003-04 campaign) and three FA Cup titles.
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The two legendary forwards were recently seen enjoying a rugby union encounter between France and South Africa at the Stade de France. After the game, Springboks star Siya Kolisi made an Instagram post showing the bet made by the pair.
Referencing the Blues' incredible accomplishment of just 15 goals conceded in their title-winning 2004-05 EPL campaign, Henry said (via @siyakolisi on Instagram):
"If they (Arsenal) beat the record of not conceding goals (set by Chelsea), then you wear the hat. Is that fair?"
In response, Drogba shook the Frenchman's hand and said:
"I'll wear the hat, I'll wear the jersey, number 14 (Henry's number)."
After 11 rounds of fixtures, Arsenal sit atop the Premier League standings with 26 points (eight wins, two draws, one loss). They have shut out their opposition in seven encounters and conceded just five goals thus far.
"That was a big mistake" - Arsenal hero Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang makes claim about decision to join Chelsea
Ex-Arsenal forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has claimed that he has huge regrets about his decision to move to Chelsea in the summer of 2022.
The Gabonese international joined the Gunners from German giants Borussia Dortmund for a reported €63.75 million fee in January 2018. In four successful years at the Emirates, he racked up 92 goals and 21 assists in 164 appearances, even winning a Premier League Golden Boot title (22 goals in 2018-19).
Aubameyang moved to Barcelona on a free transfer in January 2022; however, just eight months later, he joined Chelsea for a reported €12 million. He never settled in during his lone season with the Blues, scoring just thrice and assisting once in 21 appearances before departing for Marseille on a free transfer in the summer of 2023.
In a candid interview with Arsenal content creator Troopz, Aubameyang opened up on his move to Stamford Bridge. The 36-year-old said (via ESPN):
"That was a big mistake going there. It was a f***ing big mistake. At that time, I had a bad moment in Barcelona. I had a home break-in and Barca needed to sell a player - me or Memphis Depay - and the only thing that was on the table was Chelsea. So I said, 'OK, for my family, I will move away. I was thinking maybe it will be OK, Olivier Giroud went from Arsenal to Chelsea and he had no problems. But for me it was different."
Aubameyang currently plies his trade for Ligue 1 side Marseille.
