Drogba aims to end playing career at
Chelsea
In-form Didier Drogba wants to remain at Chelsea for the rest of
his career.
The Ivory Coast striker, who recently signed a new four-year
contract at Stamford Bridge, admits he came close to leaving the
club in the summer but now wants to stay for as long as
possible.
Drogba has scored 14 goals for Chelsea so far this season -
including two hat-tricks - and was on target for his country in
their 1-0 win over Sweden on Wednesday.
The 28-year-old is desperate to reward the faith of coach Jose
Mourinho by helping Chelsea to glory on four fronts this season -
the Premiership, Champions League, FA and Carling Cups.
Drogba declared: 'At 28, I am definitely thinking of ending my
career in Chelsea - if that's what the fans want to hear. But I
will play the game until I can no longer push myself.
'At one time I did think about leaving the club because of many
reasons. But I think I've come to stay in England and I hope that
will end all the confusion of the past.
'As a professional, I've always put my own needs and goals above
anything else. But I decided to stay at Chelsea because of the
encouragement I've received from our manager.
'Besides, the friends I have here have been so supportive. The fans
are awesome, every player wants to play in a place where he is
fully accepted and I've found that here at Chelsea.'
Drogba's goalscoring form has been a revelation this season but the
striker has already set his sights on breaking more records with
Chelsea - including winning all four trophies.
Drogba added: 'After signing the new contract I told myself this is
the time to work hard.
'Then I can hopefully bring even more glory to the club and honour
to myself. I regard the new contract with Chelsea as reward for
hard work - but I also want to repay the club for keeping the
faith.
'We want to win all four trophies this season and we believe we
have the ability to do it.
'Of course, at the moment we are taking things as they come and
that is working for us. But we've dominated English football for
the last few years and now we want to set new records.'
But while Drogba believes they can win all four competitions,
midfielder Michael Essien is not so sure.
The Ghana international insists they may have trouble retaining the
title for a third season.
Chelsea are currently three points adrift of Manchester United at
the top of the table and Essien is aware of the growing challenge
of a revitalised Arsenal as well.
Essien said: 'Arsenal have joined the race now and we still have a
long way to go.
'We must keep going the way we are. We will see how it goes, but
it's not going to be easy this season.
'We have to get our points and stay close to leaders Manchester
United, who are our main rivals.
'We have to keep going, get our points and see what happens at the
end of the season.'
