Drogba rules out Italy switch
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Didier Drogba has no intention of leaving Chelsea for Italy despite admitting there had been past contact with both Milan clubs.
Inter Milan have long been admirers of the Ivory Coast striker with ex-Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho keen to be reunited with his former player.
AC Milan have also been linked with Drogba but the 31-year-old, who extended his contract in the summer, claims he will not be moving to Italy in the near future.
"I'm sorry but I'm staying here," Drogba told Tuttosport. "I have just renewed my contract for another three seasons.
"It's true that in the past there was contact with two big Spanish clubs and two big Italian, sorry Milanese, clubs.
"But now the rumours aren't true any more and they are without any foundation.
"Who knows, maybe in 10 years: but I will be too old to play and maybe I could go as a coach."
Drogba has impressed this season under Carlo Ancelotti, who joined from Milan in the summer.
The former Marseille player scored another brace in Chelsea's 3-0 defeat of Arsenal on Sunday to move level with Jermain Defoe at the top of the goalscoring charts and credits Ancelotti with the Blues' stunning form.
He added: "Carlo is one of us, a great person, one of the family.
"He arrived full of glory with a serious honours list of European and worldwide triumphs won with Milan.
"He could have brought with him an even more powerful staff, he could have changed or undone or done anything, he could have had detached relationships and only been professionally cool with the dressing room.
"Instead he talked to us with clarity, simplicity and kindness, almost like a father. He didn't carry out revolutions, only several Italian style retouches and adjustments.
"And now the squad are flying, in attack we are getting an avalanche of goals and we are really having a ball of a time. Yes, Ancelotti is the best and even he has said we can win everything."
Chelsea lead the Barclays Premier League by five points and are through to the knockout stages of the Champions League as group winners.
Their penalty shoot-out defeat to Manchester United in the final of Europe's premier club competition two seasons ago is still fresh in their minds, as is last year's controversial semi-final exit to eventual winners Barcelona.
However, Drogba believes this could be the year the Blues erase those memories.
He continued: "We are aiming to win the English title again after three years and to look to lift this Champions League that we only just lost out on in Moscow."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments