Didier Drogba has revealed that former Chelsea teammate Frank Lampard's 'hard-working nature' makes him the best player he has featured alongside.
The 37-year-old played in the same side as Lampard for eight years during his first spell at Stamford Bridge, before crossing paths with the Englishman during his return to the Premier League last term.
Speaking to ex-Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand in an interview for BT Sport, Drogba said: "For me I respect and think Frank Lampard because he is a hard worker.
"He didn't get like this, you have to work hard and you know he's clever, and for me a football player isn't the one that keeps the ball best – it's the one who's smart."
Asked about the best player he has ever competed against during his 17-year senior career, the Ivorian added: "I've always said you (Ferdinand) and [Nemanja] Vidic.
"People say I scored a few goals against Manchester United and I would say when I was scoring against Manchester United I was really, really happy because I didn't score much.
"So for me to score against you guys means that I had a good game. So, you two and Carles Puyol because he's tough, is a very good defender but he's a gentleman."
Drogba, who left Chelsea this summer, is currently seeking a new club.
Daniel Lewis
