On-loan West Ham striker Emmanuel Emenike made no secret of his desire to play Premier League football during his time in Turkey and Russia but he has now revealed who his role models were.

Emenike stated that he dreamt of playing in Europe while in Nigeria and that he looked up to physical strikers like Chelsea legend Didier Drogba, former Manchester United star Ruud Van Nisteerlroy and Antalyaspor forward Samuel Eto’o among others.

“I dreamt to become a great player; so I worked hard every day because I believe that is the only thing that can justify my dreams. While I was a little boy playing in the street, and you watch some players in African and Europe, it will definitely define your mindset,” Emenike told the Nation.

“I was motivated by those great strikers; rugged strikers like Van Nisteerlroy, Djibril Cissé, Samuel Eto’o, Didier Drogba and others. At every point in time, I know my name is very important, so I go out to play my game and ensure the name ‘Emenike’ is growing.”

Drogba played for the rivals of Emenike’s parent side Galatasaray winning the league and Turkish Cup while in Istanbul.

Emenike is himself a powerful striker and while he is not quite the next Drogba just yet his playing style does bare some resemblance to the Ivorian.

The Nigerian international made his second appearance for West Ham in the 2-2 draw against Norwich following his six-month loan from Fenerbahce last month.

The 28-year-old striker was brought on in the last 20 minutes after West Ham went two-goals behind playing a role in the Hammers come back.

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