Didier Drogba confirms he is leaving Chelsea

Didier Drogba finally brought down the curtain on his glorious Chelsea career on Tuesday . The striker confirmed that he is leaving the club when his contract runs out at the end of June.

The 34-year-old Ivory Coast international has spent eight years at Chelsea, scoring 157 goals in 341 appearances, and helped the Blues to win 10 titles.

One of those titles, of course, was the Champions League victory over Bayern Munich on Saturday, when Drogba scored a late equaliser in normal time and then netted the winning kick in the penalty shootout.

He 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, but I am very proud of what we have achieved. As a team we have accomplished so much, and have won every single trophy possible. Saturday was a very special moment for everyone at the club and for all the fans, and I am very proud to have played my part in bringing many trophies to this club which has been my home for the last eight years.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at the club especially Roman [Abramovich], 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.”

Drogba won three Premier League titles, four FA Cups, two Carling Cups and, finally, 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