Drogba confirms Chelsea exit

london, May 22 (IANS) English football club Chelsea's Ivorian striker Didier Drogba confirmed Tuesday that he would be leaving the club this summer.

Drogba's last kick off for Chelsea came in the penalty shootout where he scored the all-crucial fifth penalty against Bayern Munich Saturday that gave the Blues their first ever Champions league trophy.

The 34-year-old has spent eight years at Chelsea, scoring 157 goals in 341 appearances and helped Chelsea win three Premier league titles, four FA Cups, two Carling Cups and a Champions league.

"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 said on the club's official website.

"As a team we have accomplished so much and have won every single trophy possible. Saturday was a very special moment for everyone at the club and for all the fans, and I am very proud to have played my part in bringing many trophies to this club, which has been my home for the last eightyears.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at the club especially (club owner )Roman (Abramovich) and my team-mates, many of whom have become very close friends and will be my friends for life. I would also like to say a very special thank you to the Chelsea fans that 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."

The Ivorian captain looks set to join former teammate Nicolas Anelka at Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua.