Didier Drogba, Chelsea Legend, Signs Two-Year Deal With Shanghai Shenhua

Drogba Signs For Shanghai Shenhua

Didier Drogba has signed for Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua on a two-year deal after his departure from Champions League winners Chelsea

The 34-year-old scored the club's equaliser in the final against Bayern Munich before slotting home the winner in the penalty shootout, having hit the FA Cup final winner two weeks previously.

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 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.

"Zhu Jun owner of Shanghai Shenhua FC said: "We have been wanting to sign Didier for a while, and are very happy that it has finally happened. He is an incredible player, who has won so many trophies in his career, we feel that his experience and ability will be a very valuable asset to our squad. Shanghai is one of the most influential cities in the world, and we are very excited to welcome Didier here."

New Shanghai manager Sergio Batista added: "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."

Signed by Jose Mourinho from Marseille for £24m in 2004, Drogba became an integral part of the Blues' attack in his eight years at Stamford Bridge.

He scored 157 goals from 341, winning three Premier League titles, four FA Cups, two League Cups and 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.

Drogba scored in all but one of the nine finals he played in for Chelsea during his eight-year career, hitting the winner in three FA Cup finals and one League Cup final.

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