Didier Drogba has explained his reasons for leaving Chelsea to join Shanghai Shenhua in June.
The 34-year old Ivory Coast striker departed Stamford Bridge after eight years to head to the Chinese Super League and he has revealed that his exit came at a time when Blues hierarchy were looking to bring in new players despite him guiding the team to the Champions League title.
"My priority was to stay at Chelsea to finish my career there, at the highest level, but the club wanted to bring new blood into the group," he told France Football.
"So we had negotiations for months without finding any agreement.
"I had the offer from Shanghai but I hesitated and hesitated. Finally I followed the advice of my former Le Mans coach and wrote two columns with the pros and cons of moving to China.
"I made my decision to leave before the Champions League final, even if I didn't sign anything at that moment.
"If we hadn't won I don't know how I would have reacted. Victory helped me to leave. It was the right time to go."
