Manchester United defender Eric Bailly has remained loyal to the Ivory Coast when naming his two Premier League idols. The 27-year-old is set to join up with his national team for two friendly games against France and England during the March break.
Having signed for the Old Trafford giants in 2016 for £34million from Villarreal, the Ivorian has played 113 matches for United in all competitions. However, only seven of those outings have come this season as he's struggled for game-time.
Raphael Varane was signed from Real Madrid last summer and Bailly also has Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and fit-again Phil Jones to contend with for a place in the back-line. It has prompted question marks over his United future despite the fact he signed a contract extension in 2021.
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Brought to the UK six years ago by former United manager Jose Mourinho, the 41-cap international admits he always watched the Premier League and, when asked to pick out his footballing heroes, Bailly named two players familiar to the division — including a Manchester City favourite.
During an interview with MUFC media, Bailly said: "When I watched the Ivory Coast, I watched Didier Drogba a lot, he is a legend, a big player. We have Yaya Toure, they give a great example and they are also very good players.
"For me, Yaya Toure and Didier Drogba are two of the best players ever in this league." United player Bailly and the Ivory Coast will take on France (March 25) and England (March 29) during the international break.
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