Didier Drogba has confirmed he will be leaving Chelsea Football Club.

The Ivory Coast international has been at Stamford Bridge since 2004, since when he has played a key role in winning three Premier League titles, four FA Cups and two League Cups.

The icing on the cake came on Saturday when he first scored an equaliser and then the winning penalty against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League final.

Drogba’s contract is set to expire next month, and the 34-year-old has decided his heroics in Munich are the perfect time for him to bid farewell to his beloved Blues.

"I wanted to put an end to all the speculation and confirm that I am leaving Chelsea," he told the club's official website. "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.

"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 eight years.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at the club especially 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 who 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."

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