Chelsea Football Club can confirm Didier Drogba will be leaving the club when his contract expires at the end of June.
Didier has spent eight years at Chelsea, and everyone at the club would like to thank him for his service and wish him luck and continued success for the future.
Chelsea Chief Executive Ron Gourlay said: 'Didier is undoubtedly a Chelsea legend and will always be part of the Chelsea family. He is certainly leaving on a high after Saturday night but he feels the time is right for a new challenge.
'Of course Didier has contributed so much to all of Chelsea's recent successes. He has been a consummate professional during his entire time here and as one of the natural leaders in our squad he has been an inspiration to a lot of our younger players.
'We have known for some time that this outcome was likely but Didier and the club only made a final decision on that in the last couple of days, because for obvious reasons neither Didier nor the club wanted to distract focus away from the Champions League Final.
'The talks were amicable all the way through and we wish him all the best for the future. He is welcome back to Stamford Bridge at any time - either as a player or as a guest of ours.'
Didier leaves Chelsea having scored 157 goals in 341 appearances. He is the club's fourth all-time highest scorer, his 34 goals in European competition is a Chelsea record by 10 goals and his nine strikes in nine cup finals has contributed immensely to the most successful period in the club's history.
He won three Premier League titles, four FA Cups, two Carling Cups and now, in the most dramatic and glorious of circumstances, the Champions League. He has been named Chelsea's Player of the Year and Players' Player of the Year and won the Premier League Golden Boot twice.
The 34-year-old said: 'I wanted to put an end to all the speculation and confirm that I am leaving Chelsea. It has been a very difficult decision for me to make and I am very proud of what we have achieved but the time is right for a new challenge for me.
'I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at the club especially Roman and my team-mates, many of whom have become very close friends and will be my friends for life. I would also like to say a very 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 for the future - you will always be in my heart.'
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farewell though
ReplyDeleteDrogba is leaving Chelsea now that I am enjoying him and his playstyle the most. But whatever, he is going for good because he has helped Chelsea achieve a great height in football. Without DD, we WONT win the Champions League - first time in history. Thank you for the remarkable achievements while at Chelsea. I personally wish you the very best of your career in future, and like the Club said, you will be welcome (with maximum standing ovation at all times) at Stamford Bridge, either as a player (which i dont think it will be possible), or as a Guest. I would like you to Coach Chelsea FC someday, or be part of the Technical Crew... everyone wants to see your face every now and then.
ReplyDeleteFarewell our Best forward! Farewell a wonderful striker! Farewell the most "deadliest" hitman.
Goodluck!
Unyime E.
Staunch (100%) Chelsea Fan.
Pls couldnt stop bt crying.I love him mostly.Drogba, u wl foreva be ma greatest player.Farewell. Meanwhile for your NEBOSH past questions,pls send me a message at ekanem20@yahoo.com or call 08093053298
ReplyDeletesincerely, i don't know what to say, i wish didier drogba would have a rethink, i love chelsea majorly because of drogba, i am confused, which way should i go? in as much as i wish him d very best in his life as an accomplished footballer reaching the peak of his career, i would still appreciate a rethink. the Almighty D.I.D.I.E.R. safe
ReplyDeleteYes great DD you hav made ur mark in chelsea,it is not easy to bid u farewell especially now d blues ar celebrating ur acheivements.Anyway we wish more success in ur future endeavours .Bye bye..
ReplyDeleteas far as am concerned,no drogba,no chelsea but football goes on.I love the blues but for drogba.God bless and guide drogba
ReplyDelete