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.

After months of speculation, Drogba has confirmed he is set to move on.
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Chelsea striker Didier Drogba

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

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.

Didier 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[color=#000099][/color]

a nice phat "signing paycheck" is awaiting him, wherever he goes........free agent means just that!

CRYING...