It was an easy decision - I couldn't turn down the opportunity to work with Jose again. Everyone knows the special relationship I have with this club and it has always felt like home to me.
My desire to win is still the same and I look forward to the opportunity to help this team. I am excited for this next chapter of my career.
Jose Mourinho also commented on the transaction:
He’s coming because he’s one of the best strikers in Europe. I know his personality very well and I know if he comes back he’s not protected by history or what he’s done for this club previously. He is coming with the mentality to make more history.
Drogba joined Galatasaray last winter after a short stint with Shanghai Shenhua. Although he only spent a season-and-a-half with the Turkish club, he certainly left his mark. He scored 16 goals in 49 matches across all competitions.
The side also qualified for Champions League play this past season. The 36-year-old striker showed he could still play at that elite level, with two goals and three assists in eight matches in last year's tournament. It was an impressive display for someone whose form was supposed to drop off years ago.
Goal.com passed along the comments Drogba made on the club's television station after making the decision to pursue other opportunities:
Galatasaray will always be in my heart, I'm very proud to have represented this team.
I didn't come here for money. If I wanted money I would have stayed in China. I came to Turkey to play football, to feel the passion again. Scoring against Fenerbahce and Besiktas, I think I gave some happiness to our fans.
It wasn't clear exactly how much Drogba had left when his days at Stamford Bridge came to an end a few years ago. He had scored nearly 160 goals across eight seasons, but the Blues opted to give other players a chance to lead the attack.
The results weren't what they were hoping for, to say the least. Opta Chelsea notes the struggles of Chelsea's forwards since his departure:
Meanwhile, Drogba continued to provide both Shanghai Shenhua and Galatasaray with an efficient attacking option. He wasn't as dynamic as in years past, but he still showcased the same knack for scoring key goals as he always had - See more at:
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