FOOTBALL star Didier Drogba was greeted by an estimated 15,000 cheering people in Swindon town centre when he took part in the Olympic torch relay.

The 34-year-old took the flame from Wharf Green, where a large celebration was held, to the next stage of its journey after shaking hands with fans and addressing the crowd.

Drogba, who appeared in a white tracksuit bearing the words London 2012, lit his torch in a 'kiss' from that of fellow torchbearer Sally-Anne Brookes, who also managed to steal a real kiss on the cheek from the star.

Flanked by guards and to the sound of loud cheers, he then ran about 300 metres, down Market Street and halfway down Commercial Road, where he lit the torch of Stephen Ratcliffe.

Drogba, who was nominated to carry the torch by Samsung, told the crowd: “I’m glad I’m here and I’m very proud to be here all today in front of all these people.

“It’s like a very happy dream. My dream was to carry the torch and thank you very much.”

And he also had a message for the children: “They have to believe in themselves and listen to their parents and dream.”