After winning the Premier League three times, the FA Cup four times, the League Cup twice and just under a week ago the UEFA Champions League for the first time, Didier Drogba has confirmed he will be leaving Chelsea.

The 34-year-old who scored the eventual penalty that won them the Champions League on Saturday night has kicked his last ball in a Chelsea shirt, and what a last kick it was.

Chelsea FC confirmed today that Didier Drogba will part with the club at the end of his contract, which expires next month. Drogba told the official club’s website:

 ”I wanted to put an end to all the speculation and confirm that I am leaving Chelsea. 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 went on to say:

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at the club especially Roman and my team-mates. I would also like to say a very special thank you to the Chelsea fans who have shown me so much love and support over the years. I wish the club all the best and continued success for the future – you will always be in my heart.”

Drogba scored 13 goals in 32 appearances for the club this season and he felt it was time for a new challenge. Chelsea fans will feel disappointed, although it can be seen as the right time for Drogba to leave, especially with Fernando Torres finding form. It’s unclear where Drogba will go for now, but speculation suggests he will move to either Russia, China or Italy.

Drogba has had a great career at Chelsea winning every major English competition and his last match for the club was on Saturday night against Bayern Munich which he was named the Man of the Match. His individual  honours at the club  are;  Chelsea Player’s player  (2007), Golden Boot Award (2007, 2010) and he was also part of the PFA Team of the Year (2007, 2010). Drogba has played 338 times for Chelsea scoring 157 goals, but for Chelsea fans the most important time Drogba hit the net will have been Saturday night.

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