A Marseille fans' appeal trying to raise enough money to lure back former star Didier Drogba had gathered 2 million euros (3.2 U.S. dollars) as of Wednesday, according to the website handling the donations.
The website www.didier-revient.com said there were 29,467 supporters parting with the pledges which cannot exceed 200 euros (320 dollars).
"I'm surprised and amused. It shows the true passion of our supporters," said Marseille's president Pape Dioufhe.
Diouf then gave the fans a dose of reality, saying that if they reached the projected target there would still be the small -- or perhaps big -- matter of the Ivory Coast international's weekly wage.
"I know what Drogba earns at Chelsea!" he joked.
Drogba, 30, scored 18 goals in 35 appearances during the explosive 2003-04 season with Marseille to earn his legendary status.
He signed a three-year contract after Chelsea and Marseille eventually agreed on a 24 million euro fee（38 million dollars) in July 2004.
He has recently been linked to a host of top European sides such as Barcelona and both Milan clubs as he is expected to decide his future before the end of the month.
(Agencies via Xinhua News Agency July 17, 2008)