Didier Drogba says he expects to sign a new contract with Chelsea and is ready to compete with Fernando Torres to be the club’s first—choice striker.
The 33—year—old Ivory Coast forward said talks have begun over a new deal to extend his contract for one more year, tying him to the club until 2013.
“We’ve started talking and it’s very interesting,” Drogba said.
“Everybody knows what I feel about Chelsea and what I want,” he said.
“I will definitely be here next season. I said a few years ago that I will be here until the end of my contract, and I am here.
“Now I need to keep playing well here and giving my best, like I always try to do. This will be my eighth season at this club and it means a lot for any striker to stay that long at Chelsea.” New manager Andre Villas—Boas has hinted he is likely to use one striker in a 4—3—3 formation, leaving Drogba to compete with 50 million—pound (81—million—pound) signing Torres, Nicolas Anelka and Daniel Sturridge, for the starting spot.
“That’s the manager’s choice, but it’s been like this for me for all my years at this club,” Drogba said. “It was the same when Eidur Gudjohnsen was here, when (Andriy) Shevchenko was here, and all of the other times.
“I’m 33, I’m the oldest player and, even if that feels strange, I’m not worried. If I deserve to play then I will play. If I’m not good then I won’t. It’s good for the team to have some competition.” Chelsea also announced on Saturday that they have agreed to sign Oriol Romeu, a 19—year—old defensive midfielder, from Barcelona.
