Didier Drogba has defended Jose Mourinho over accusations of racism from his former club Galatasaray.
Mourinho, the Fenerbahce manager, made comments about the Galatasaray bench "jumping like monkeys" during the recent 0-0 draw with Galatasaray.
Galatasaray announced they intended to "initiate criminal proceedings concerning the racist statements made by Jose Mourinho", and would submit official complaints with UEFA and FIFA.
Fenerbahce then issued a response in which they accused Galatasaray of "pathetic slander", and now Drogba has defended his former manager.
Writing on X, Drogba posted: Dear @GalatasaraySK ... you know how proud I was to wear the yellow and red jersey and my love for the most decorated club in Turkey!!
"We all know how passionate and heated rivalries can be, and I’ve been lucky enough to experience it.
"Ive seen the recent comments about Jose Mourinho. Trust me when I tell you I have known Jose for xx years and he is not a racist and history (past and recent ) is there to prove it."
He then signed off with: "How can my ‘Dad’ be a racist ... come on guys."
Drogba and Mourinho worked together over two spells at Chelsea, in which time they won the Premier League twice.