Audio By Carbonatix
Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba confirmed his switch to China's Shanghai Shenhua on Wednesday, a move which will reunite him with former Chelsea teammate Nicolas Anelka.
Drogba announced he would leave Chelsea days after scoring the penalty which beat Bayern Munich in last month's European Champions League final, and the 34-year-old has signed a two-year deal to become the Chinese Super League's latest high-profile star.
The two-time African footballer of the year will reportedly be paid £200,000 ($315,000) a week, which would make him China's highest-paid player.
"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," said Drogba in a statement released through his representatives.
"I am looking forward to a new challenge, to experiencing a new culture, and I'm excited about the new developments in the Chinese Super League.
"I hope to help promote Chinese football around the world and further improve the links between China and Africa."
Former France international Anelka made the move from Stamford Bridge to Shanghai in January and even had a brief spell as the team's coach following Jean Tigana's exit in April.
Former Argentina coach Sergio Batista is now in charge of the team, and he is looking forward to working with former Marseille star Drogba.
"Drogba is a very good soccer player, his outstanding skills and amazing experience will give us motivation to improve our games," said Argentina's 1986 World Cup winner.
"It is my honor 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 is currently 12th in the league, with only three wins all season. But Shenhua owner Zhu is confident Drogba can have a positive impact on results as he seeks his first title since taking over in 2007 -- and the club's first since 2003.
Drogba scored 157 goals for Chelsea in his eight seasons at the club, winning three English Premier League titles, four FA Cups and two League Cups as well as the London club's long-awaited first European crown.
"We have been wanting to sign Didier for a while, and are very happy that it has finally happened," said Zhu.
"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."
Drogba and Anelka are two of a number of soccer stars to have joined China's premier football competition.
Italy's World Cup-winning coach Marcello Lippi is now in charge at Guangzhou Evergrande, an ambitious club who in the last year have signed Argentine Dario Conca and Paraguay's Lucas Barrios.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Malawians angry over vice-president’s planned UK trip
15 minutes -
Husband in court charged with drugging and raping ex-wife
25 minutes -
An alleged drug cartel and a murdered witness: South Africa’s police corruption probe
37 minutes -
US judge rejects business group’s challenge to Trump’s $100,000 H-1B visa fee
48 minutes -
Blasts and fire shatter Pennsylvania nursing home, killing at least two
1 hour -
US judge tosses Trump challenge to New York immigration-related law
1 hour -
Gold tops $4,500, silver and platinum hit records in metal markets frenzy
1 hour -
Sudan coach Kwesi Appiah seeks to bring Africa Cup joy amid conflict
2 hours -
Mum-of-two died after cosmetic surgery in Turkey
4 hours -
Libya’s army chief killed in air crash in Turkey
4 hours -
US Supreme Court rejects Trump’s bid to deploy National Guard to Chicago
4 hours -
Irish grandmother detained in US freed after husband appeals to Congress
5 hours -
Trump travelled on Epstein’s plane more than previously thought, prosecutor says
5 hours -
Tunisia cruise past Uganda to start AFCON with win
5 hours -
Arsenal beat Palace on penalties for place in EFL Cup semis
5 hours
