Chelsea’s Didier Drogba signs for Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua

Former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has signed a two-and-a-half year deal with Chinese Super League outfit Shanghai Shenhua.

The 34-year-old decided to call time on his Stamford Bridge career after scoring 157 goals in 341 appearances since moving to Chelsea from Marseille in 2004.

The Ivory Coast international, who scored the winning penalty in the Blues’ Champions League final victory over Bayern Munich, will join up with his former Chelsea team-mate Nicolas Anelka at the Shanghai club.

“I am looking forward to a new challenge, to experiencing a new culture, and excited about the new developments in the Chinese Super League,” said Drogba.

“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.”

Shanghai Shenhua manager Sergio Batista, who took control of Argentina in 2010, believes the striker’s wealth of experience will be of great benefit to his side.

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

Shanghai’s chief investor Zhu Jun also expressed his excitement over Drogba’s signing.

“We have been wanting to sign Didier for a while, and are very happy that it has finally happened,” he said.

“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.”

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