Ex-Chelsea Star Signs £200k-A-Week Contract


Didier Drogba has confirmed his long-expected move to Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua.

The 34-year-old, who left Stamford Bridge following Chelsea’s Champions League final victory over Bayern Munich, has signed a 2½-year deal worth around 200,000 a week with the Chinese Super League side.

He said: “I have considered all the offers I have received in the past few weeks, but feel that Shanghai Shenhua FC is the right move for me at this time.

“I am looking forward to a new challenge, to experiencing a new culture, and 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.’”

Drogba will link up with former Blues team-mate Nicolas Anelka, who joined the club in January, and Argentinian manager Sergio Batista.

Batista said: “Drogba is a very good soccer player, his outstanding skills and amazing experience will give us motivation to improve our games.

“It is my honour to invite him to join in our team. At last I have to say that the club owner Zhu Jun did his utmost to bring Drogba to Shenhua.”

Drogba scored 157 goals in all competitions for Chelsea, finishing with 100 in 226 league appearances since signing from Marseille for £24million in 2004.