Bristol City’s Emil Riis reveals Chelsea icon that was his “idol” | OneFootball

Emil Riis made the move to Bristol City from Preston North End last summer

Emil Riis made the switch from Preston North End to Bristol City in the summer transfer window.

The Robins had earned their place in the play-offs under Liam Manning, but suffered a big loss to Sheffield United over the two legs of their semi-final.

Gerhard Struber arrived as the new head coach when Manning departed for Norwich City following the 6-0 aggregate defeat to the Blades.

Riis made the switch to Ashton Gate after five years with the Lilywhites, where he made 172 appearances in the Championship, scoring 41 times.

The Dane joined following the expiration of his Preston contract, making him a free agent, and he’s had a positive impact for Bristol City in his first year at the club.

The 27-year-old has contributed eight goals and one assists from 32 games in the league for Struber’s side.

Emil Riis reveals his childhood idol

Riis has opened up on his experience of watching English football when he was growing up in Denmark, citing former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba as his idol.

He revealed that the Ivorian was crucial to making him a fan of the London outfit, alongside his native Brondby, and that he was inspired to play as a forward as a result of his admiration for the 47-year-old.

"We watch a lot of the English league back home, so it's definitely a big thing," said Riis, via Sky Sports.

"I grew up watching Didier Drogba, he was my idol, so it was definitely a dream.

"I was a Chelsea fan as well as my home team, Brondby.

"I was always a striker.

"As a kid you play in different positions, but I always wanted to be a striker.

"I didn't like playing anywhere else.

"I think I was just one of the better finishers, and I didn't like running back, so I focused on being a good striker."

Riis began his career in England with Derby County, coming through their academy system, but he never actually played for the Championship side at senior level.

The forward made the move to VVV-Venlo on loan before signing for Danish club Randers in 2018.

After two years back in Denmark, he returned to English football with a move to Preston, where he cemented himself as a second division calibre player.

Riis has solidified his place as a key part of Struber’s plans in his first season of a three-year contract, and no player has scored more for the Robins this campaign than he has.

He will be hoping to help Bristol City secure another play-off place this term, with the team currently 12th in the table after 33 games played.

The gap to the top six is currently four points, with 13 fixtures remaining, but Struber’s side are currently two without a win.

Next up for the Robins is a trip to face Blackburn Rovers this evening in a 7.45pm kick-off at Ewood Park.

Didier Drogba’s impact on Emil Riis is obvious

Drogba was one of the great Premier League target men, and Riis has a similar style of play for Bristol City.

So it’s no surprise that the Chelsea legend is somebody that the Dane looked up to when he was younger, as the inspiration in his style of play is clear.

Riis has proven a very smart signing for Bristol City, adding goals to the team and at a very limited cost due to his arrival as a free agent.

Struber will be hoping that the 27-year-old can bag a few more goals in these final 13 games, as he has the chance to play a crucial role in ensuring the club once again achieve a top six finish in the table.