10 Footballers Who Moved To China Before It Was Cool

By Ryan Elliott /

10. Didier Drogba (Shanghai Shenhua, 2012-2013)

Didier Drogba left Chelsea as the ultimate club legend in 2012, with his last touch for the club being the winning penalty in the Champions League final. The Ivorian decided to go out on a high and seek pastures new, and signed a two-and-a-half year deal with Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua. Though he managed eight goals in 11 games in China, his stay was short-lived. Just over six months had passed before Galatasaray snapped up the striker, meaning his time in Asia came to an abrupt end.