Chelsea's Didier Drogba thinks he could reach new levels of goalscoring after summer surgery.
Ivorian now free from niggling injury pain
Chelsea striker Didier Drogba believes that he could be capable of reaching new levels of predatory goalscoring after his summer surgery.
The Ivory Coast international underwent a groin operation to cure a long-standing hernia problem at the end of July and is still working his way back to full fitness.
Drogba was a second-half substitute in Sunday's Community Shield defeat to Manchester United as he stepped up his recovery.
And he has warned the Premier League that, despite winning the golden boot in 2009/10 with 29 goals as Chelsea won the title, there is more to come.
"It was a hernia, and for the last six years I have been struggling with it," said the 32-year-old ahead of Saturday's league season-opener against newly-promoted West Brom.
"I couldn't really work, it was difficult sometimes for me to play some games. I also had to miss some training sessions.
No tension
"Now I am really happy because it has gone and I feel more free.
"No more tension in the abductors. You know it is really good for me. I am really happy that I had it (surgery)."
Drogba, who joined Chelsea in a £24million deal from Marseille in 2004, continued: "I learned how to play with it, how to deal with it.
"Sometimes last year I needed some tablets to play. Now I am not even asking. It is a good feeling.
"I had to adapt my game to it, so now maybe I will have to change my game again.
"I don't know if I can do better than last year, but the thing is I will feel better, more free in my movements on the pitch.
"I will feel much better and will be happy to have the same season as last year."
