ANYTHING YOU CAN DO ... Drog is keen on trumping Roo's record
DIDIER DROGBA last night warned mega-rival Wayne Rooney: I am going to score more goals than you.
The race is on between the Premier League's two leading hitmen to finish as top scorer this season - and the Chelsea striker is hell-bent on capturing the crown.
Manchester United's Rooney is just ahead with 23 goals to Drogba's 22 in all competitions. But that could change today, as holders Chelsea take on Championship battlers Cardiff in the FA Cup fifth round, while United take a breather after being knocked out by Leeds.
Drogba, who hit the net in last year's 2-1 final triumph over Everton, declared: "I want to be the top scorer in England. I want to make sure people remember 'Drogba the Warrior' in this campaign.
"My absence at the African Nations Cup could end up being decisive. It gave an advantage to Wayne and my other rivals. But I warn them I shall be fighting until the very last match."
Tottenham's Jermain Defoe is next in the scoring chart with 20 goals, followed by Manchester City's Carlos Tevez (18) and Darren Bent of Sunderland (15).
But it is the shoot-out with Rooney that has really set Drogba's pulse racing.
He knows that in full flight both players represent everything you could ask of a world-class forward - strength, pace, movement, guile, terrific heading ability and an ability to shoot from all angles.
The Ivory Coast star holds Rooney in the greatest of respect but is determined to overtake him and then keep him at arm's length.
Drogba added: "The race between myself and Rooney will be beautiful and it's my objective to arrive at the finishing post first. I don't think about the exact number of goals I shall need. But it will be necessary for me to pass 30 if I am to be the No 1 - and this is possible.
"Rooney is a big forward and playing at a really high level. But there are still many matches to go and I intend to soar above him in the goal stakes.
"It seems I'm always fighting against Manchester United players in this respect. Cristiano Ronaldo was not 10 per cent a striker but scored from a lot of free-kicks and penalties and they gave him many goals.
"Wayne is different to him but always scores and there is so much merit in his play.
"My own big target this year is to win the Treble - the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup.
"This is not easy to achieve but I am so ambitious and believe Chelsea can do it.
"We are well-placed in the championship race and, if we can manage our situation in the other competitions, we won't fail there either.
"Cardiff are in a lower division but we know the FA Cup can produce surprises. So we prepare for this match as if it was against a Premier League team. We are prohibited from failing at Stamford Bridge this season."
Drogba has hammered an amazing 12 goals past fellow title rivals Arsenal, including two belters last weekend, but has only ever scored once against United - the winner in the 2007 FA Cup final. He admitted: "Against Arsenal I always seem to score. Perhaps the style of the game with them gives me more chances. We are very offensive in these derby matches.
"Facing United is another story. The matches seem to be very tactical, with both defences more closed. It really isn't easy to beat United but it is my dream to score the winner against United at Old Trafford when we go there in April.
"At the moment, I am enjoying my best form in years.
"My worst experience this season was obviously the Ivory Coast's failure in Angola but this is already forgotten. I shall change the dynamic with my country when we get to the World Cup.
"At Chelsea, I believe this is going to be a really great season. All the titles we are going for are feasible.
"We lead the league table but know that what matters is where we are on the last day. We are all working very hard towards that."
As ever, Drogba's muscled frame spells danger for anyone who can get near him.
He looks especially 'ripped' this season, and said: "I am an athlete. I sacrifice my lifestyle to maintain my physique. After many injuries, I have worked very hard on my muscles and I am happy with my body.
"To fight in the Premier League you need the necessary force and power."
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