Drogba: 'Winning Champions League was the turning point'
Didier Drogba will leave Chelsea when his contract runs out at the end of June, the club announced today.
"Winning the game was the turning point, " he said. "That's why I decided - we made history all together and I want people to remember that - and I think that's the best time to move on."
Drobga's winning penalty saw Chelsea crowned champions of Europe on Saturday.
Didier Drogba hoists the Champions League trophy during a parade in London on Sunday. Credit: AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis
Chelsea Football Club has confirmed that Didier Drogba will be leaving the club when his contract expires at the end of June.
In a statement on the club's website, Chelsea Chief Executive Ron Gourlay said: "Didier is undoubtedly a Chelsea legend and will always be part of the Chelsea family. He is certainly leaving on a high after Saturday night but he feels the time is right for a new challenge."
Drogba added: "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."
The 34-year-old scored the winning penalty as Chelsea were crowned Champions of Europe on Saturday night.
Didier Drogba 'to leave Chelsea' for 'another adventure'
With what looks likely to be his last kick for the club, Didier Drogba's penalty wins Chelsea the 2012 Champions League. Credit: Adam Davy/EMPICS Sport
Didier Drogba has confirmed he plans to quit Chelsea following his Champions League final heroics, according to reports in France.
Drogba, who has reportedly already agreed a deal to join Shanghai Shenhua when his Chelsea contract expires this summer, is said to have admitted he struggled to get the words out and burst into tears.
David Cameron, who threw his arms in the air in delight as Chelsea won the Champions League final as he watched with the G8 leaders, said: "It's not often you get the opportunity to watch a penalty shoot-out between an English team and a German team and watch the English team win."