Chelsea Football Club News

• Nickname:Blues
• Founded:1905
• Manager:Roberto Di Matteo

• Ground:Stamford Bridge
• Capacity:42,440

Chelsea deny Drogba exit

19 Oct 2007 - 07:56:37

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Chelsea have played down talk of star striker Didier Drogba seeking a move away from Stamford Bridge in the wake of manager Jose Mourinho's departure.

The 29-year-old joined the Blues in 2004 in a £24million move from French club Marseille and has scored 67 times in 149 appearances, but now says he wants a fresh challenge.

However, a short statement from Chelsea read: "Didier Drogba signed a new four-year contract last year.

"As a top professional we are sure Didier is committed to Chelsea and intends to honour that contract"

Drogba had earlier been quoted as saying in France Football magazine: "I want to leave Chelsea. Nothing can stop me from leaving, something is broken with Chelsea.

"The damage in the dressing room is big because we know now what happened and who caused Mourinho's departure.

"My decision is taken. Nothing could keep me here. I know that Ronaldinho and Kaka could come here next season, but that will change nothing in what I want.

"I need a club where I would be prepared to break a leg to win."

Drogba has reportedly set his sights on a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid or Barcelona, or one of the Milan clubs - AC Milan or Internazionale.