Ivory Coast forward Didier Drogba has confirmed his plans on leaving the English club Chelsea after his contract ending by the end of this June. Drogba's recent contribution for Chelsea was his performance in the Champions League final match against Bayern Munich.

Drogba joined Chelsea in June 2004 from French side Marseille. In his 341 appearances for the side Drogba has scored 157 goals and has played an integral part in the club winning ten major trophies.

The Ivory Coast striker is leaving the English side after scoring an equalizer in the UEFA Champions League finals and also scored the final penalty shot to help the Blues win the prestigious title.

Here are the words told by Didier Drogba to the Chelsea's official website on leaving the club : "I wanted to put an end to the speculation and confirm that I am leaving Chelsea," he told Chelsea's website.

"It has been a very difficult decision for me to make and I am very proud of what we have achieved, but the time is right for a new challenge for me."

Drogba has won the Premier League Golden Boot twice and has been a part of the club's three Premier League titles, four FA Cups, 2 League Cups and a Champions League title in the span of eight seasons he has spent with the club.

As per the media reports Didier Drogba is said to join the Chinese club side Shanghai Shenhua, where his former Chelsea mate Nicolas Anelka is currently serving.

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