Didier Drogba believes
keeping Frank Lampard and John Terry at Chelsea is more important
than winning the UEFA Champions League.
The English duo have yet to agree new deals with the club and
speculation is continuing to mount that they could leave Stamford
Bridge in the summer.
Chelsea are still in the hunt for the Premiership, FA Cup and
Champions league, but Drogba feels the contract issues of Terry and
Lampard should remain a top priority.
"Signing up John and Frank is the biggest thing we can do. Bigger
than winning the Champions League," Drogba said in the
newspaper.
"They are part of the history of Chelsea, they have created so much
and I don't believe any supporter can accept next season - or the
future without them.
"We should do everything to make sure they are here.
"We want to win the European Cup this year but they are players
that can help you win it for the next five or six years.
"How many players have a leader like Terry? He is a rock for us and
losing him would break a lot of clubs."
Joe Cole, meanwhile, has revealed that his return to action
following a foot operation in January has stunned medics.
"The surgeons and all the medical people did a great job on my foot
but they said I wouldn't play again this season," he
explained.
"So everything that happens to me now is a huge bonus.
"As a footballer, your long-term fitness is first and foremost in
your mind but the operation was a success and I've been able to
come back earlier than expected."
Cole is now hoping to help Chelsea claim some more silverware after
missing their triumphant Carling Cup campaign.
"Obviously four trophies is a tall order but we're going for it,"
he said.
"It's a cliche but we have to take each game as it
comes."