Marseille want Chelsea striker Didier Drogba

Last updated : 28 June 2011 By Daily Mail

The Chelsea striker has just one year left on his remaining contract at Stamford Bridge and revealed last December that he would relish the opportunity to see out his playing days at the Stade Velodrome, where he spent one season before joining the Blues in 2004.

The French outfit are ready to pounce for the 33-year-old Ivory Coast international who faces an uncertain future following the arrival of new manager Andre Villas-Boas.

We want you back: Didier Drogba received a rapturous reception on his return to Marseille with Chelsea last season

Marseille president Vincent Labrune told French newspaper La Provence: 'The question is whether in terms of salary, I do not mean the transfer, Marseille have the means for four years to pay Didier Drogba.

'I answer "yes". But we cannot afford 11 Didier Drogbas.

'So is it possible? Yes, but in the case of departures.'

Drogba was frustrated on the sidelines for most of the latter half of last season when the addition of ?50million Fernando Torres forced him to spend time on the bench.

Marseille boss Didier Deschamps spoke of his desire to welcome Drogba 'home' before the striker received a standing ovation from L'OM fans after Chelsea's 1-0 Champions League defeat in France last term.

L'OM sweet home: Drogba would relish the chance to end his playing days at Marseille

He said: 'The crowd is thankful for what he has done because, even if Didier has been at Chelsea for six years now, he was always honest and always said Marseille was his club at heart.'

Chelsea are keen on signing Anderlecht teenager Romelu Lukaku - the teenager dubbed as the 'new Drogba' - and Santos sensation Neymar, while Porto's Falcao is also on the club's radar.

Should the trio sign this summer, Drogba's path to Marseille would seemingly be cleared.

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?Explore more:People: Didier Drogba, Fernando Torres Places: France

Source: Daily Mail

Source: Daily Mail