BY Telegraph.co.uk

Newcastle defender Habib Beye knows all about Didier Drogba and he is not afraid to admit the Chelsea striker's theatrics are part of the modern game.

Beye is a former Marseille team-mate of the Ivorian's before Drogba made his £23.8m move to Stamford Bridge in July 2004 and has been a key figure for Newcastle this season.

He said: "Didier and I reached the UEFA Cup final with Marseille and had good times together. We can be friends but not during the game.

"I haven't spoken to him this week. If we talked, he would want to joke with me but I don't want to joke with him.

"I know if I had called him, he could get angry and that could help him play the best game of his life."

Newcastle have not lost a league game to Chelsea at home since 2001 and Beye said that stopping Drogba is the key to continuing the run as well as ending Newcastle's season on a high.

Beye also said Drogba remains the same striker who almost single-handedly helped Marseille to the UEFA Cup final in 2004.

"He hasn't changed his style but it is different in England because there are some strong defenders and he has to adapt," he said.

Beye also believed that Manchester United will win the league with the title set to go to the wire if Chelsea can win at St James' Park.

He added: "For me, United are so strong. Just look at their bench. It is unbelievable. He can play without Ronaldo, Nani, Carrick, Tevez, Rooney and they still win.

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