Football star Didier Drogba has told a national newspaper that he feels lucky to be alive following a heavy clash with Norwich City goalkeeper John Ruddy during a match last month.

During The Canaries' 3-1 loss at Premier League big boys Chelsea on August 27 the Ivorian was knocked out in an unfortunate clash with Ruddy.

But, speaking for the first time about the incident that left him hospitalised, Drogba said that he remembers nothing of the challenge and revealed he'd never been in such a frightening situation before.

He said: 'When I woke up in the ambulance I was scared because I didn't know what I was doing there.

'I couldn't remember anything from after Norwich equalised until I was being rushed to hospital. I didn't know what was going on.

'It was a weird feeling and a difficult moment. I understand now what it must be like for a boxer when they are knocked out.

'But I'm really grateful to everyone who helped me, the stadium staff and the medics who calmed me down. They told me I'd been unconscious for between six and eight minutes.'

It was only later when Drogba saw replays of the incident on TV that he realised the full horror of the situation.

Drogba also said Ruddy rang him to apologise and that he attaches no blame to City's number one, adding: 'I spoke to him and I know he was sad about what happened. But I told him it's something that can happen in football. I said not to worry and that I would be all right.'

- For the latest team news ahead of City's clash with Sunderland at Carrow Road on Monday night, see The Pink 'Un in Monday's EDP and sport in the Evening News.