African Cup Nations Match Abandoned

The African Cup of Nations qualifier between Senegal and Ivory Coast in Dakar was abandoned following crowd trouble.

Ivory Coast were leading 2-0 on the night and 6-2 on aggregate - a result which seems likely to stand, sending Senegal out - when the match was stopped in the 72nd minute at the Stade Leopold Senghor.

The incident was confirmed on the official website of the Senegalese Football Federation, www.senegalfoot.sn: 'Unfortunately the match ended in very sombre circumstances.

'The referee was forced to stop in the match in the 72nd minute with the score at 2-0 because of serious outbreaks in the stands by very unhappy Senegalese supporters.

'The police took the public out after many confrontations.'

Play had been temporarily halted in the 65th minute when a person ran on to the pitch and almost reached Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba before being wrestled to the ground and escorted off the field.

Drogba had given his side the lead in the 51st minute with a free-kick and the former Chelsea man then made it 2-0 from the penalty spot in the 70th minute.

Following that second goal there were disturbances in the stands, with small fires being set alight and objects thrown as players and staff from both teams grouped together in the centre circle.

A host of Barclays Premier League-based players were involved in the match, including Newcastle pair Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse lining up for Senegal, along with West Ham's Mohamed Diame.

In Ivory Coast's starting line-up were Arsenal striker Gervinho, Manchester City brothers Yaya and Kolo Toure, and Newcastle midfielder Cheick Tiote.

City said on their official website: 'City's Yaya and Kolo Toure are both safe after crowd trouble halted play as Senegal hosted the Ivory Coast in Dakar.

'Disturbances broke out as Didier Drogba put the Elephants 2-0 up, after what was deemed a controversial penalty decision in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

'Fires were started in the stands at Stade Leopold Senghor and missiles were launched on to the pitch before the players were escorted to safety.

'Yaya and Kolo were both involved in the second leg clash and early reports suggest the brothers are unharmed.'

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Drogba and Anelka in Shanghai Surprise

Former Chelsea strikers Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka could be sold by China's Shanghai Shenhua due to an escalating equity stake row among shareholders, according to local media.

Chairman Zhu Jun, who holds a 28.5 per cent stake, will only pay his share of the club's daily costs if his demands for greater control are met, according to China Daily.

Zhu currently controls the Chinese Super League club, along with five state-owned enterprises, after becoming a shareholder in 2007.

The agreement was that if he invested $23.6 million (£15m) over two years, his stake would increase to more than 70 per cent.

It is reported that Zhu has ploughed more than $94m (£60m) into the club over the past five-and-a-half years, while the state-owned companies have spent nothing.

The transfer of shares stalled in 2009 and again last year, a source said.

"It is annoying and has had a bad effect on many of our tasks," a club official said. "The biggest problem is that the operation and financing work of the club cannot be carried out normally.

"The equity stakes issue has become the biggest bottleneck for the development of Shenhua."

If unresolved, Zhu, who has been signing all the cheques, could decide to cough up just 28.5 per cent of the club's expenditure, potentially affecting player salaries.

Colombian Giovanni Moreno missed the match against Shandong Luneng at the weekend amid speculation Shenhua had fallen short on his transfer fee with Argentina's Racing Club.

The futures of Drogba and Anelka could also be in the balance if Shenhua fail to make their salary payments. Both reportedly earn over £190,000 a week after moving from Chelsea.

Despite investing heavily in big-name foreign players, Shenhua sit 10th in the 16-team Chinese Super League on 27 points from 23 matches. Leaders Guangzhou Evergrande are on 47 points.

Drogba Signs for Shanghai Shenhua

Former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has signed for Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua on a two-and-a-half-year deal.

He will team up again at Shanghai with ex-Blues colleague Nicolas Anelka.

Drogba, 34, said: "I considered all the offers I have received in the past few weeks, but feel Shanghai Shenhua is the right move for me at this time."

The Ivory Coast forward's last act in a Chelsea shirt was scoring the winning penalty in the Champions League final defeat of Bayern Munich in May.

One of his first games will be against Manchester United with Alex Ferguson's team playing Shanghai Shenhua on 25 July as part of their pre-season tour.

Drogba joined Chelsea from Marseille for £24m in the summer of 2004, becoming one of Jose Mourinho's first signings.

He helped the Blues to win three Premier League titles, four FA Cups and two League Cups during his eight-year spell. In that time he climbed to fourth on the list of Chelsea's all-time goalscorers with 157 and is also the club's leading scorer in European competition with 34. However, he decided to leave the Premier League club after their Champions League triumph.

Drogba said: "I'm looking forward to a new challenge and experiencing a new culture, and am excited about developments in the Chinese Super League.

"When Chelsea went to China last year, we had a great time and I met some amazing fans.

"I hope to help promote Chinese football around the world and further improve the links between China and Africa."

Shanghai Shenhua were the first football club in China to become independent of government control and are majority-owned by local businessman Zhu Jun.

In the past they have signed well-known players including Carsten Jancker and Jorg Albertz.

They play at the Hongkou Stadium, which has a capacity of 35,000.

Zhu Jun believes Drogba's arrival in July will help cement his club on the football map.

He said: "We have been wanting to sign Didier for a while and are very happy that it has finally happened.

"He is an incredible player, who has won so many trophies in his career. We feel that his experience and ability will be a very valuable asset to our squad.

"Shanghai is one of the most influential cities in the world and we are very excited to welcome Didier here."

Shanghai Continue Drogba Chase

Shanghai Shenhua are closing on the signing of former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba, according to reports in the Chinese media.

Drogba, whose contract at Stamford Bridge expired this summer, has reportedly been in talks with the Chinese Super League club for months over a potential move.

The Shanghai Daily newspaper reported on Friday that the club have entered the "final round" of negotiations to bring the Ivory Coast international to China, where he would be reunited with former Blues team-mate Nicolas Anelka.

The newspaper said a Shenhua board member, Zhou Jun, would hold direct talks with the 34-year-old.

Speaking on Thursday, the club's new manager Sergio Batista boosted hopes Drogba might join the club.

"The possibility of Drogba coming is still relatively large," Batista told a news conference.

"I believe the club's management is still in contact with Drogba," he said, adding he did not expect news until after June 30th.

Shenhua declined to comment on Friday.

Drogba, who has also been linked with Real Madrid and Dubai-based club Al Wasl, left Chelsea after helping the Premier League club to their first ever UEFA Champions League triumph last month.

Former Argentina manager Batista joined Shenhua, sitting ninth in the 16-club Chinese league, late last month after the club sacked French coach Jean Tigana and temporarily made Anelka player-coach.

Au Revoir Didier...Merci Beacoups!

Striker Didier Drogba will leave Chelsea this summer after eight years with the club.

The Ivory Coast striker, 34, who scored the winning penalty in the Champions League final victory over Bayern , is set to be a free agent when his Blues contract expires next month.

"Winning the [Champions League] final was key, that was the turning point," Drogba told BBC Radio 5 live.

"We made history together but I think now is the best time to move on."

In a statement on the club's website, Drogba said: "I wanted to put an end 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 feels that the Champions League win was a fitting note for his departure.

He added: "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. I am very proud to have played my part in bringing many trophies to this club, which has been my home for the last eight years.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at the club, especially Roman Abramovich and my team-mates."

Drogba's contract stand-off dated back to last summer, with the club refusing to bow to his demands for a two-year extension.

Speculation has intensified in recent weeks, after Drogba scored the winner in the FA Cup final victory over Liverpool, and then equalised against Bayern on Saturday before converting the decisive spot-kick in the penalty shoot-out.

The forward, who joined from Marseille for £24m in 2004, has been linked with a move to Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua. 

Drogba was one of Jose Mourinho's first signings as Chelsea manager and he has enjoyed a highly successful stint in London.

As well as three Premier League titles, he has won four FA Cups and two League Cups before Saturday's Champions League triumph, scoring nine goals in finals.

He is fourth on the list of Chelsea's all-time goal-scorers with 157 and is also the club's leading scorer in European competition with 34.

Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay paid tribute to the striker.

He 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.

"Of course Didier has contributed so much to all of Chelsea's recent successes. He has been a consummate professional during his entire time here. As one of the natural leaders in our squad he has been an inspiration to a lot of our younger players.

"We have known for some time that this outcome was likely but Didier and the club only made a final decision on that in the last couple of days. For obvious reasons neither Didier nor the club wanted to distract focus away from the Champions League final.

"The talks were amicable all the way through and we wish him all the best for the future."

Former Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino says Drogba's decision to leave the club doesn't come as a huge surprise.

"I think there was a number of reasons why both he and the club didn't pursue it," Cascarino told BBC Radio 5 live.

"Didier had a great two months but he didn't have a great season; he was in and out of the team and wasn't scoring like he did in the latter games of the Premier League and the cup competitions.

"I don't think Chelsea were quite so hot to give a 34-year-old a contract that they felt would be over-paying to him."

BBC Match of the Day host and former England international Gary Lineker wrote on social networking site Twitter "Farewell Didier Drogba. You have enthralled us, occasionally enraged us, but always entertained us. A striking superstar."

Drogba's Chelsea record

Debut: v Manchester United, August 15, 2004

First goal: v Crystal Palace, August 24, 2004

Appearances: 342

Goals: 157

Honours: Premier League: 2004-05, 2005-06, 2009-10; FA Cup: 2006-07, 2008-09, 2009-10, 2011-12; League Cup: 2004-05, 2006-07 Champions League: 2011-12

Premier League top goalscorer: 2007, 2010

Drogba's finals goal record

2005 Carling Cup final - scores in extra-time in 3-2 win over Liverpool.

2007 Carling Cup final - scores both goals in 2-1 win over Arsenal.

2007 FA Cup final - scores the only goal in 1-0 win over Man United.

2008 Carling Cup final - puts Chelsea ahead in 2-1 loss to Spurs.

2009 FA Cup final - scores equaliser in a 2-1 win over Everton.

2010 FA Cup final - scores only goal in 1-0 win against Portsmouth.

2012 FA Cup final - scores Chelsea's second in 2-1 victory against Liverpool.

2012 Champions League final - his 88th minute header took the game against Bayern into extra-time before he scored the decisive penalty in the shoot-out.

Shuffling Starts at Shanghai Shenhua

Nihao, Shenhuan for Drogba

Didier Drogba has revealed he intends to leave UEFA Champions League winners Chelsea, according to reports in France.

The 34-year-old, who scored a late equaliser and the decisive penalty in the shoot-out win over Bayern Munich on Saturday, is reported to have told team-mates his decision during Sunday's trophy parade.

Members of the triumphant Blues squad chanted for Drogba to stay in front of celebrating fans but the Ivory Coast international appears to have called time on an eight-year spell at Stamford Bridge.

"We will not be together next season," Drogba told France Football magazine.

"As I have decided to leave, I wanted to tell them (my team-mates) to their faces.

"They made me break down. I found it hard to admit that it was finished with me and the club.

"But I don't envisage sitting on the bench watching others play at a time when the club is looking at putting together a new team.

"So there we go, I am readying myself for a great leap into the unknown. It will be another adventure."

Drogba has been linked with a lucrative move to Chinese side Shanghai Shenhuan, where his former Chelsea team-mate Nicolas Anelka is player-coach.

Didier Wants to Forget Moscow

Didier Drogba wants to avoid a repeat of his Moscow melancholy and believes Chelsea's first UEFA Champions League final appearance was an educational experience.

Ahead of Saturday's return to Europe's showpiece club event, when the Premier League club will face Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena, the striker has been reminded of 2008.


For Drogba it will mean avoiding the loss of control that saw him sent off in Chelsea's only previous final four years ago, which saw Chelsea lose on penalties to Manchester United.

But the Ivorian thinks he and his team-mates were taught a valuable lesson in Moscow and he does not want there to be a repeat.

"It was a difficult moment for me and for the club as well," he said. "I apologised to the fans.

"It's one memory I cannot forget but, at the same time, it's the past.

"It was a good experience, a first Champions League final for Chelsea - an experience. Now I think we've learned from that."

Responsible

The final defeat by United was one of seven Champions League failures for Drogba since joining Chelsea.

"I'm lucky to be playing Champions League games," he said. "When I was young, I used to watch the games on TV, when (Zinedine) Zidane scored that volley against (Bayer) Leverkusen - all these games.

"Every Champions League game is special for me. Every time I come on the pitch, I feel lucky, because I'm one of the few players able to play these kind of games.

"The Champions League doesn't really owe me anything. If I'm responsible for something, it's my club, my team-mates and the fans.

"I play for them. I have to perform for them."

Whatever happens, Drogba's place in Chelsea folklore is assured, according to interim first-team coach Roberto Di Matteo.

"He's brought Premier League trophies and cup competitions to us, scored many goals," Di Matteo said. "So, whatever happens tomorrow, he will be remembered as a legend at this club."

Didier Values Second Champions Chance

Didier Drogba has admitted he fell into the trap of thinking Chelsea would be back in the Champions League final a year after losing to Manchester United.

But the Ivorian striker is under no illusions that Saturday's final against Bayern Munich is almost certain to be his last shot at European glory and one he is desperate to take.

This weekend's game at the Allianz Arena is set to bring down the curtain on Drogba's glittering career at Chelsea, with the striker out of contract at the end of the season.

The 34-year-old has won every domestic honour in England, but the Champions League has proven elusive, never more so than in Moscow four years ago when Chelsea were within a penalty kick of lifting the trophy.

Drogba said: "After Moscow, we thought that we were going to get to the final the next year.

"But that's Champions League - it's very difficult to reach the final and I think it shows how much we deserve to be there today."

Drogba was as much to blame as anybody for Chelsea's defeat to United, with then manager Avram Grant revealing John Terry would have been spared the doomed penalty that would have won the final had his team-mate not been sent off.

This season's FA Cup triumph reinforced Drogba's status as the king of domestic cup finals but it has been a different story on the biggest stages, with two agonising African Nations Cup final defeats also on his CV.

He said: "I've got a lot of disappointments but I've also got a lot of great moments in finals so I'm going to try to make sure that, for my team-mates, this one is a great one."

Drogba, who has been linked with a surprise summer move to Barcelona, has spoken before of his determination to make amends for Moscow on Saturday but he is keen not to dwell on past failures.

"It's not good to speak about the past because we have a great moment here," he said.

"I could speak with you about Bayern Munich and the next Champions League final rather than speak about the other final."

Admitting this weekend's clash was "one of the biggest games" of his career, he added: "I've played a lot with Chelsea but this one is going to be special because it's only the second time we have reached the Champions League Final.

Drogba Gives Blues Nou Hope

Didier Drogba fired a crucial winner as Chelsea shocked Barcelona with a 1-0 win in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final tie at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.

Reigning champions Barcelona had gone into the clash as favourites but Drogba's strike on the stroke of half-time handed Roberto Di Matteo's men a remarkable win after a superb display from the hosts.

The Ivory Coast frontman struck in the second minute of injury time after Frank Lampard released Ramires down the wing, with the Brazilian feeding Drogba with a pinpoint cross and allowing him to slot beyond Victor Valdes.

The Londoners now have a crucial advantage heading into next Tuesday's second leg at Camp Nou, where they will hope to complete a massive upset.

The pattern of the match was set the moment the visitors kicked off, Chelsea allowing them possession to a point and Raul Meireles leading the pressure behind Drogba.

From a defensive point of view, it largely worked, although the visitors should have taken one of the chances to have fallen their way.

Luck played a part in the first of them in the ninth minute, Alexis Sanchez chipping against the crossbar from Andres Iniesta's perfectly-timed pass.

The other two both fell to Cesc Fabregas courtesy of Lionel Messi, who was otherwise restricted to a quiet half.

The first was a sitter, Fabregas shanking his finish after Messi's burst and pass had set up Andres Iniesta for a shot Petr Cech parried.

Messi finally had the chance to build up a real head of steam two minutes before half-time, Fabregas this time producing a delightful dink which was only kept out by Ashley Cole's clearance off the line.

Otherwise Chelsea had plenty to give them hope from what little ball they had.

The benefit of going long was quickly demonstrated when only a heavy touch prevented Drogba capitalising on Cech's clearance.

Drogba, who got away with overstepping the mark when he trod on Sergio Busquets' foot, also failed to make the most of a one-on-one with Carles Puyol.

Long throws predictably unsettled Barca, too, and Gary Cahill almost took advantage of the first of them.

Chelsea did tread a fine line discipline-wise, with Meireles lucky not to pick up a booking that would see him suspended for the second leg.

"Same old Barca, always cheating," chanted the home fans whenever a Barca player went down.

They were in good spirits despite the deluge, which may have played a part in Drogba scoring with the final kick of the first half.

Barca were caught upfield and Frank Lampard's ball over the top sent Ramires rampaging forward, the Brazilian's cross picking out Drogba.

Victor Valdes should have saved the scuffed finish but could only help it into the net.

Barca were even more dominant after the restart, Cech parrying Adriano's curler before Sanchez missed another gilt-edge chance when he stabbed Fabregas' scooped pass wide from six yards.

Otherwise they were being kept at bay by a world-class defensive display led by Cahill and John Terry, who were almost single-handedly keeping Messi at bay.

Pep Guardiola sent on Pedro for Sanchez with 24 minutes remaining, with Barca becoming increasingly frustrated, not least with perceived play-acting from Drogba, who got an earful from Puyol.

There was finally a booking when Ramires tripped Messi in full flight, Pedro quickly following for a similar offence on Cole.

Busquets was also cautioned for scything down Ramires after Juan Mata was withdrawn for Salomon Kalou.

Fabregas left the field to a chorus of boos for Thiago Alcantara as Chelsea began to drop deeper and deeper, as they had done three years earlier.

Barca laid siege to the Blues goal and Cech produced a magnificent save three minutes' from time when Puyol glanced Messi's free-kick towards the corner.

And, in stoppage-time, the visitors saved their worst finish until last, Busquets skying high over the crossbar after Pedro's effort had hit the post.

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Drogba Vows to Stay at Chelsea

Didier Drogba has vowed to stay at Chelsea for "as long as possible", although the Ivorian striker conceded "I am not master of my destiny".

With negotiations on extending his current deal, which expires at the end of the season, reaching an impasse, the 34-year-old is being heavily linked with a big-money move to China in the summer.

However, Drogba underlined his importance to the Blues on Wednesday, opening the scoring in their thrilling 4-1 extra-time victory over Napoli in the Champions League at Stamford Bridge.

And, following the 5-4 aggregate triumph, the forward made it clear where his heart lies. He told Canal+: "I am not master of my fate, but I will stay as long as possible. I am happy here, to experience moments like these. I hope there will be many others."

Trailing 3-1 after the first leg, Chelsea became only the fourth team in 45 attempts to overturn a deficit of two goals or more, and Drogba admitted feeling relief at seeing his European quest continue.

He added: "Many have said that it was my last game, but the adventure continues. It has been a long time since I have seen a Chelsea [team] like this."

Chelsea's win helped lift the gloom around Stamford Bridge after a string of poor performances led to the sacking of manager Andre Villas-Boas nearly two weeks ago. Frank Lampard, who had a fractious relationship with the Portuguese, was delighted to answer the critics by progressing to the last eight of the Champions League.

"The only way to answer it is to win games and play well and we've done that," he said. "It was an amazing night here. I've had some very good nights here in the Champions League at home and this one goes straight in right at the top because being 3-1 down against a quality team and performing like we did was a great feeling."

Chelsea currently sit fifth in the Premier League, three points adrift of fourth-placed Arsenal, and Lampard admits their beating of Napoli will count for nothing if they do not qualify for next season's Champions League.

He added: "It needs to be a real step forward for us in the Premier League as well. We need to enjoy the fact that we're still in the Champions League but we need to make sure we carry that form into our league games."

Mali Lose Out to Ivory Coast

The Ivory Coast secured a place in the African Nations Cup final after Gervinho's solo goal saw them past Mali on Wednesday night in Libreville.

The Elephants will return to the same venue on Sunday seeking their second title after the Arsenal forward ran from his own half and slotted home.

His side's defence then kept their opponents at bay in the second half to ensure their progression to the final for the third time.

Siaka Tiene delivered a free-kick from the right and Didier Drogba's downward header bounced up and struck the top of the post.

Goalkeeper Soumaila Diakite, beaten to the ball by Drogba for that chance, then misjudged the bounce of the Chelsea striker's free-kick and was fortunate when the ball bounced into his face and around the post.

He was beaten at his near post by Yaya Toure's powerful drive but again saw the ball rebound to safety off the woodwork.

Mali's first chance fell to Cheick Diabate but Jean-Jaques Gosso made a goal-saving challenge and Sambou Yatabare could not convert the rebound.

Salomon Kalou then poked wide after creditably staying on his feet under a challenge in the penalty area, and Drogba scuffed a shot wide after holding off two defenders.

But Gervinho put the Elephants ahead on the stroke of half-time when he tricked his way past Ousmane Berthe on the halfway line, burst unchallenged into the penalty area and finished coolly.

Diabate chanced his arm from distance early in the second period, but keeper Boubacar Barry saved and held onto the ball as he collided with the post.

Barry's efforts were matched by opposite number Diakite, who tipped over Kalou's goalbound effort.

Yatabare shot just over for Mali, his last contribution before he gave way to Garra Dembele.

Toure twice went close and Diakite saved with his feet from Drogba, and Mali did not seriously threaten an equaliser in the closing stages.

Ivory Coast Reach Semi-final

Co-favourites Ivory Coast put on a solid performance and ended the hopes of co-hosts Equatorial Guinea with a resounding 3-0 win in the quarter final of the Orange Africa Cup of Nations 2012 in Malabo. 

The Elephants were marauding and showed intent from first whistle with pretty much all play happening in the hosts’ half and penalty box. Equatorial Guinea‘s defence was stretched and it looked a matter of time before the Ivorians scored. Max Gradel should have scored for the Elephants but after a couple of shots on target had been blocked he found himself with a chance but he sent his shot over the cross bar. Ivorian chance for the opener eventually came in the first half when Didier Zokora went down under a challenge by defender Ben Konate and captain Didier Drogba stepped up to take the penalty. Goalkeeper Danilo saved the sport kick much to the delight of the crowd.

Ivorians continued to dominate play and create chances. Drogba, Yaya Toure, Zokora and Gervinho were threatening each time they had possession. 

Drogba made amends when he picked up a ball in the box and with a sharp turn beat one defender before cutting back towards goal and shaking off another defender. The striker created space for himself and shot past Danilo beating him at his near post with a rasping shot. It was justly deserved for the dominance by the Elephants.

After the break the hosts stepped up play and had Ivorian goalkeeper Boubacar Barry busy. In one such move the goalkeeper had to beat back into play after Randy connected with a powerful shot. The hosts enjoyed a short spell of domination and took the game to the Ivorians whose defence coped well with what was thrown at it.

Didier Drogba returned to snuff out the bright hopes that Equatorial Guinea was beginning to build with a tremendous goal his and the team’s second. It was vintage Drogba indeed as the striker jumped highest and turning in the air he headed powerfully past Danilo from a Yaya Toure free kick. The ball was in the back of the net before the keeper could move a muscle and the Ivorians were coasting. The goal was followed by more dominance and pressure from co-favourites as they turned on the performance. Gervinho could have added a third and so did 

Equatorial Guinea did not give up and Kily went close to getting a consolation but Barry was equal to the shot and gave away a corner kick. The Ivorians managed to stop the danger from the resultant corner. Yaya Toure made it 3-0 with yet another classy goal on a night the Ivorian star players showed their quality. The midfielder curled in a beauty from a free-kick round the wall and it nested inside Danilo’s left had post.

The Ivorians could have had a fourth but substitute Wifried Bony’s shot was just wide as Ivorians opened up Equatorial Guinea defence at will. In the end Equatorial Guinea’s fine run was ended by a classy Ivory Coast and the Elephants marched into the semi-finals where they await the winner of Gabon and Mali clash and the co-hosts can be proud of their achievement at the finals, their first ever.

Drogba Stays at Chelsea

Didier Drogba has confirmed he will remain at Chelsea until at least June.

The Ivory Coast striker, who has scored 98 Premier League goals in 217 games, had been strongly linked with a move to Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua.

But the 33-year-old has confirmed he will not move in this transfer window.

Drogba said he wants to have more "fun, enthusiasm and passion on the pitch" but when asked if that meant leaving Chelsea, he said: "Not before June."

With the Ivorian's contract at Chelsea set to expire in June, he is free to talk to other clubs.

Chelsea are said to be offering him a 12-month extension, with Shenhua - Nicolas Anelka's new club - reportedly prepared to give Drogba a three-year deal.

Meanwhile, LA Galaxy chief executive Tim Leiweke has admitted he would like to bring Chelsea's Frank Lampard to Los Angeles.

"I am a fan of Frank's. I think he is a great player. When I think of Chelsea, I think of Frank Lampard," Leiweke said.

"It took us two years to get David Beckham here the first time. We are working on the next designated player."

Last Chance Saloon for Drogba

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba could be walking into the last-chance saloon when the doors of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations swing open this weekend. At 33 he is must be aware that time is not on his side and goalkeeper Boubacar Barry, 32, midfielder Didier Zokora, 31, and defender Kolo Toure, 30, are other likely first choices desperate to grasp the elusive trophy.

"I think it might be the last Cup of Nations for players like me, Kolo and Didier. A lot of us could stop and give younger stars like Salomon (Kalou) and Gervinho a greater role," says Turkey-based enforcer Zokora. 

Ivory Coast start the January 21-February 12 tournament in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea as co-favourites with Ghana, and virtually every pundit predicts they will clash in a west African climax. But despite parading so many skilful and experienced footballers, there is no guarantee the Ivorian Elephants will go all the way as they 'choked' in 2008 and 2010 when the hottest of favourites.

Drogba, who has been the face of Ivory Coast football for a decade, does not accept that winning the championship will be easier this time round because 'big guns' Egypt, Algeria, Cameroon, Nigeria and South Africa failed to qualify.

"I think the 2012 Cup of Nations will be very difficult -- perhaps even more difficult than previous editions," he warns. "Our ambition is to improve on two years ago when we were eliminated in the quarter-finals."

Ivory Coast appeared to have a last-four place sewn up when they led Algeria 2-1 with time ticking away in Cabinda only to concede a last-minute equaliser and another goal in extra time. Newcastle United midfielder Cheik Tiote, who was sent off during a warm-up victory over Tunisia in Abu Dhabi last weekend, cannot accept that such a talented squad has not won the tournament. 

"We have great players so we have to win something -- we have to win this Cup of Nations," he said of a country whose sole success in the continental showpiece came 20 years ago in Senegal. 

"Every time there is an African tournament people tell us that we are favourites to win, but when you look at our trophy cabinet there is nothing there. Absolutely nothing." 

Ivory Coast were rarely troubled as they defeated Tunisia (2-0) and Libya (1-0) in the United Arab Emirates with Kalou scoring in each game and Chelsea team-mate Drogba calmly slotting home a penalty. 

The Elephants also had it easy in the 2012 qualifiers, winning home and away against Benin, Burundi and Rwanda, and no one gives Group B rivals Sudan, Burkina Faso and Angola a chance of stopping them in Equatoguinean capital Malabo. They defeated hosts Sudan 1-0 in 1970, Angola 5-2 in 1998 and drew 0-0 with Burkina Faso two years ago and the first serious test for Drogba and company could come in the quarter-finals with Libya or Zambia probable opponents.