Chelsea Football Club News

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

• Ground:Stamford Bridge
• Capacity:42,440

Drogba ready to pen new deal

22 Jul 2009 - 09:15:00

Click To Enlarge

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has hinted that Didier Drogba is on the verge of signing a new three-year deal with the club.

For the past 12 months the 31-year-old Ivory Coast international has spoken regularly about his desire to leave Stamford Bridge but now seems set to commit his long-term future to the Blues.

After Drogba had scored in Tuesday's 2-0 pre-season friendly win against Internazionale in the United States, Ancelotti said: "Drogba is a very important player for us and we want him to play for Chelsea.

"He's irreplaceable, as no other striker in the world can do the same job. I've spoken with Drogba and he's told me he's happy to stay."

Drogba has scored 94 goals in 216 games for Chelsea since joining the west London side from Marseille five years ago.

Meanwhile, Ancelotti was quick to praise teenage striker Daniel Sturridge who moved to Stamford Bridge from Manchester City earlier in the summer.

Sturridge scored in Saturday's friendly against Seattle Sounders, and Ancelotti said of the 19-year-old: "He has good quality and we expect him to have a good season.

"To score a goal in his first game is good for him and for us. He has a lot of quality as a striker who is quick and intelligent with his movement for others - I like that.

"He's not a star. He's a very good young player and we believe in young players at this club. He will be in the first team this season."