Drogba officially leaves Chelsea
European champions Chelsea have officially confirmed that striker Didier Drogba will leave Stamford Bridge when the Ivorian star's contract with the club expires at the end of June 2012.
Drogba leaves Chelsea at the top - Getty Images
Chelsea CEO Ron Gourlay confirmed on the club's website:“There is no doubt that Drogba is a club legend and will always be part of the Chelsea family. He will leave the club with his head held high after winning the Champions League with us. Drogba feels that now is the right time for him to seek a new challenge. Of course, Drogba has been instrumental in Chelsea’s recent successes. He has been an excellent professional during his time here and has been one of the leaders of the team.”
“We knew it was coming, but Drogba and the club only made the final decision a few days ago, as neither he nor we wanted to be distracted by the Champions League final. The discussions were cordial and we wish him all the best for the future. Drogba is welcome back to Stamford Bridge at any time, as a player or as a guest.”
For his part, Drogba expressed:“I would like to put an end to speculation and confirm that I am leaving Chelsea. This has been a difficult decision to make but now is the right time to accept a new challenge. I am very proud to have played my part in bringing trophies to the club, which has been my home for the last eight years. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at the club, in particular Roman Abramovich and my team-mates. I would also like to say a special thank you to the Chelsea fans, who have shown me so much love and support over the years. I wish the club all the best and continued success in the future. Chelsea will always be in my heart.”
Drogba joined Chelsea in 2004 from Marseille for a transfer fee of £24 million and became one of the most successful contracts in the club's history. During his 8 years playing for Chelsea, Drogba helped the team win 3 Premier League titles, 4 FA Cups, 2 League Cups and especially the Champions League title won in Munich last weekend.
The Ivorian striker's contract expires this summer and he is rumoured to be on the verge of a move to Shanghai Shenhua to reunite with former teammate Anelka.
According to Bongdaplus.vn - DT
