Chelsea striker Didier Drogba is determined to beat Manchester United's Wayne Rooney to this season's Golden Boot.

United's Rooney is just ahead with 23 goals to Drogba's 22 in all competitions.

Drogba told The Sun: "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."