By David Gold
May 22 – Just days after winning Chelsea the Champions League title, Didier Drogba appears set to become the latest big name to move to China.
Drogba (pictured above, right with Chelsea’s interim manager Roberto Di Matteo) has been linked this season with a move to China and Shanghai Shenhua, where former team mate Nicolas Anelka ended up earlier this year.
Earlier this week Marcello Lippi was confirmed as the new coach of Shenhua’s big rivals, Guangzhou Evergrande.
In quotes attributed to the Ivorian forward in France Football, Drogba said: “As I decided to leave, I wanted to tell them straight in the eye.
“Except that I could not do it.
“They made me crack.
“Even though it’s been three years since I said I wanted to leave, I find it hard to admit that it’s over with this club – especially as I did not feel like this.
“But I could not see myself sitting on the bench to watch others play when the club plans to set up a new team.
“So that’s it – I am preparing for my leap into the unknown.
“It’s going to be another adventure.”
Drogba’s decision will be a blow to Chelsea, days after the greatest night in the club’s history when they won the Champions League.
The 34-year-old was pivotal, scoring a last minute equaliser before netting the crucial spot kick in the penalty shoot out, though he also gave away a penalty during extra time.
The forward joined from Marseille in 2004 and has cemented his place in the Premier League club’s history as one of their greatest players.
His departure, if confirmed, will highlight China’s efforts to become a major football power.
The country has for years been struggling to match their regional rivals such as Japan or South Korea on the field, but an influx of money typified by Shenhua and Evergrande has demonstrated a determination to play a bigger role in world football.
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