© EuroFootball.com
London officially confirmed that Didier Drogba is leaving the team where he spent eight years of his career.
The 34-year-old footballer scored the equalizing goal during regular time and converted the decisive penalty during the shootout when England's team defeated Bayern Munich in Saturday's Champions League final.
However, the parties failed to reach an agreement on a contract extension, which was set to expire in June.
"I want to put an end to the speculation by confirming that I am leaving. It was a difficult decision to make, but it's time for a new challenge," the Ivory Coast national team leader is quoted as saying.
According to him, winning the Champions League final is a great farewell: "With this team, we achieved a lot and won all possible trophies. I am proud to have been part of it. I would like to take this opportunity to thank owner Roman Abramovich, as well as my teammates."
Wearing the "Chelsea" jersey, Drogba played 341 matches and scored 157 goals. It is speculated that his career may now take him to the Chinese team "Shanghai Shenhua."
