Chelsea star Didier Drogba has confirmed signing up for Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua in a two-and-a-half year deal.
The striker will fly out to join the squad in July.
In a statement on his website, he said: “I have considered all the offers I have received in the past few weeks, but I feel that Shanghai Shenhua FC is the right move for me at this time. I am looking forward to a new challenge and to experiencing a new culture, and I 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.
Drogba of Chelsea celebrates with the UEFA Champions League trophy after winning the final soccer match against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena in Munich. Reuters
“I hope to help promote Chinese football around the world and further improve the links between China and Africa.”
The Ivory Coast forward’s last act in a Chelsea shirt was scoring the winning penalty in their Champions League final defeat of Bayern Munich in May.
The move will surprise some, who will feel that he could have surely done some better in a European club. But surely the financial stakes in their deal are good. It is reportedly worth 25 million pounds.
