Drogba decision in '10 days'

Striker's agent says player will wait for developments

By James Dall   Last updated: 16th July 2008

Drogba decision in '10 days'

Drogba: Future uncertain

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Chelsea striker Didier Drogba will make a decision on whether he will remain at Stamford Bridge within the next 10 days, according to the player's agent.

The Ivory Coast international has been strongly linked with a move away from Chelsea ever since he confessed his desire to quit the club in an interview with France Football magazine shortly after former boss Mourinho's Stamford Bridge exit last September.

Barcelona, AC Milan and Inter Milan are all reportedly keen on making summer moves for the powerful forward, however new Blues manger Luiz Felipe Scolari has insisted Drogba is '200 per cent in his plans'.

But it now seems that Scolari will have to wait before knowing where Drogba will play his football in the new season after the 30-year-old's agent, Thierno Seydi, explained that he will decide his future in the next 10 days.

Departure

"Didier has given himself 10 days," Seydi told France Football. "If nothing happens he'll stay at Chelsea and extend his contract by two years.

"He doesn't see himself starting training in a few days with Chelsea and then leaving to a new club.

"The reality of November is not that of today. At the time Didier was affected by departure of Jose Mourinho who he was very close to.

"Today, there is nothing to say that he won't stay at Chelsea."

Marseille appeal

The supporters of Drogba's former club Marseille recently began an appeal to raise the €28million (£22.4million) that would reportedly secure his signature.

Their petition reached the €1million mark on Saturday; however Drogba's agent has explained he is unlikely to make a return to the Stade Velodrome.

"OM would have difficulty paying the player's transfer and salary," added Seydi. "The 'Drogbathon' really touched him.

"He found the initiative nice but pitiful; because that shows a bit that OM and French clubs have real difficulties in attracting great players."