Didier Drogba could soon find himself playing at a different club other than Chelsea for the first time since 2004. The Ivorian striker arrived from Marseille for £ 24 million in 2004 and he has been one of the mainstays of the Chelsea team, helping the blues to win a number of trophies over the years.
Many fans regard him to be one of the spine of the team alongside Frank Lampard, John Terry, and Cech. However, manager Andre Villas-Boas has been keen on introducing youth within the side, which has obviously led to dropping Frank Lampard from the starting 11. It has been the first time since 2002 that Frank Lampard has found himself as a squad member, and Drogba now finds himself on the sidelines more often than not.
Under José Mourinho, Frank Lampard was regarded as one of the untouchables by the Portuguese manager, but it does not seem to be the same for new manager Andre Villas-Boas. Even though Didier Drogba has been playing fairly regularly under the Portuguese, many believe that the Ivorian’s days at Stamford Bridge are numbered. It is thought that Didier Drogba, who is out of contract at the end of the season, is looking to sign up a two-year extension with Chelsea. However, the club are keen on giving the 33-year-old striker, who will turn 34 in March, only a one-year contract.
As a result, Didier Drogba is thought to be interested in hearing offers from other clubs including Shanghai Shenhua, who recently captured his teammate Nicolas Anelka on a £ 120,000 a week contract.
Money is not an object for the Chinese side and it is believed that they are keen on making Didier Drogba their major summer signing. ‘(Didier) Drogba, is a very excellent player. From the perspective of Chinese football, if these big-name players, these excellent players, are willing to come to China, we are willing to have warm negotiations and communications with them,’ Shanghai Shenhua’s Zhou said.
Drogba may be keen to stay at Stamford Bridge because they still have a chance of winning European silverwear – their Champions league betting odds keep falling as fans continue to back them to prevail against the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid.
It might also be worth a cheeky Chelsea bet on the Blues to win the FA Cup – with Manchester City out, and Manchester United facing off against Liverpool in the 3rd round, Chelsea have been named as the favourites for the oldest tournament in world football.