January 30 – Shanghai Shenhua have issued a statement on their website claiming that Didier Drogba is still under contract at the Chinese club, two days after the announcement he had signed for Turkish club Galatasaray.
Shanghai Shenhua say they were “deeply shocked” when they saw on Galatasaray’s official website that the player had joined the Turkish club.
The club says they understand the eagerness of Drogba to participate in the European Champions League, but “on July 1, 2012 Drogba officially signed a formal work contract for a period of two and a half years; since signing the work contract, the club has abided by the contract agreement, and has effectively fulfilled the responsibilities and obligations of the club.
“Drogba is still a Shanghai Shenhua Football Club player as the contract is still within its validity period.”
Drogba was believed to have left China when his £190,000 per week wages he was owed were not paid.
Drogba signed an 18 month deal with Galatasaray and will earn €6 million at the Turkish giants, including a signing-on fee of €4 million and €15,000 per match. He is currently at the Africa Cup of Nations playing for the Ivory Coast.
A statement on the Shanghai Shenhia website concludes by saying the club is collating all evidence and information, ready to submit to FIFA, in order to protect the club from greater losses.
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