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Didier Drogba says he wants to remain a member of the Chelsea “family” beyond the end of the English Premier League season.
The Ivory Coast forward made the announcement on Sunday as he received the 2015 Football Writers’ Association Tribute Award at a dinner at London’s Savoy Hotel.
Drogba returned to Stamford Bridge in pre-season, following spells in China and Turkey with Shanghai and Galatasaray respectively.
But there has been no word yet from Chelsea chiefs as to what will happen to the forward when his contract with the west London club expires.
The 36-year-old made it clear on Sunday he wanted to stay at Chelsea, even if he was no longer involved in a playing capacity beyond the end of this campaign.
“When you have achieved so much and won so many trophies like we have done in the past 10 years, that creates something special,” said Drogba, who was powerless to prevent Chelsea losing 4-2 at home to third-tier Bradford City on Saturday in one of the greatest FA Cup upsets.
“I hope, and the club makes me believe, I am part of this big family, so we are going to find the best thing for both of us to promote the club in the best way.
“When I left this club (the first time), I was saying that I had done everything I wanted to do, but I think now that I did not do everything – I think there is more to do.
“I love this club and would love to be part of this club for the future, with the new players.”
Drogba scored 157 goals for Chelsea in eight years and left the club in 2012 shortly after scoring the winning penalty against Bayern Munich in the Champions League final.
In a personal tribute to Drogba in the FWA dinner program, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho wrote: “Throughout my career, I have always refused to say which is my favourite player or the best person, because so many have given soul and blood to play and to fight with me but, if I have to choose one who represents all the good things you want in a player and a man, I think in this moment I would choose Didier”.
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