We’ve all known since the end of the season – our Champions League winning season – that Didier Drogba would be leaving us, and yesterday came the confirmation of that with the news that he will leave us for Shanghai when his contract expires at the end of the June.
Drogba will link up again with Nicolas Anelka and in a statement on the official CFC site, says “Today I can inform you that I have signed with Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua FC for a two and a half year deal (until the end of 2014). I will fly out to join up with the squad in July. I have considered all the offers I have received in the past few weeks, but I feel that Shanghai Shenhua FC is the right move for me at this time. I am looking forward to a new challenge and to experiencing a new culture, and I am excited about the new developments in the Chinese Super League. When Chelsea went to China last year, we had a great time and I met some amazing fans. I hope to help promote Chinese football around the world and further improve the links between China and Africa.”
Naturally, with the news of Drogba’s £200,000-per-week move, came the inevitable cynicism but true to Drogba’s previous form, it is clear he intends to look after his home country, with Shenhua reportedly planning to contribute to the striker’s projects in Africa. I’ve no doubt his fellow countrymen will be as grateful for his continued benevolence in the future as we will always be for his contribution to Chelsea over the years.
Didier Drogba, we wish you every success. Goodbye, good luck and thank you.
Blue is the colour
