Drogba snubs Chelsea contract offer
Published 22:30 28/11/11 By Martin Lipton
Didier Drogba has turned down Chelsea’s latest one-year deal - but does want to stay at Stamford Bridge.
The Ivory Coast hitman has forced his way back into Andre Villas-Boas’ starting XI at the expense of Fernando Torres, and scored in last week’s Champions League defeat at Bayer Leverkusen.
The 33-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and could sign a pre-contract deal with an overseas club from January 1.
But although his agent, Thierno Seydi, claimed Drogba has turned down a January loan approach from AC Milan but might be open to big-money offers from Russia, Qatar and the USA, it is understood the striker would prefer to finish his career in London - at Chelsea if possible.
“Milan came in for Didier, but I said no straightaway. Their offer, for a loan with an option to buy, did not interest us," revealed Seydi.
“He’s had the offer of a one-year extension from Chelsea, but that does not suit us. At his age, he has nothing left to prove as a player.
“Once you are well into your thirties, you have to go to a club where you can be certain you’ll be able to pay your bills.
"He will go where he is offered the most money.
“It could be the United States, Qatar, Russia or somewhere in Asia.
"He’ll go wherever he feels good from a financial point of view. Los Angeles Galaxy are a possibility.”
Despite Seydi’s words, it is understood Drogba has no intention of leaving Chelsea this season and wants to focus on achieving his remaining goals at Stamford Bridge - including the Champions League - and the African Cup of Nations, which begins on January 21.
