Chelsea re-sign former striker Didier Drogba

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has re-signed Didier Drogba for the Blues following his release from Galatasaray, claiming that he is still “one of the best strikers in Europe”.

The Ivorian who spent eight years at Stamford Bridge, has signed a one-year contract, and really developed his game under the Portuguese manager, scoring 100 Premier League goals in 226 appearances.

At 7/4 favourites to win the title next season, Chelsea have recruited early in the transfer window this summer, signing midfielders Cesc Fabregas, and Mario Pasalic, as well as left back Felipe Luis. The jewel in their crown, however, could well be Spain centre forward Diego Costa, who arrived from Atletico Madrid for £32m.

Having Drogba back on Kings Road could well help the Brazilian-born frontman, who is seen as an ideal replacement, but Mourinho is confident that his old protege can have a significant impact.

The Chelsea boss was reported as saying: “He is still very adapted to the needs of the Premier League and we are thinking about it in a non-emotional way.

“If you bring him back it is not because he is Didier or scored the most important goal in the history of Chelsea, or because I read I need an assistant, no,” Mourinho continued.

“If I bring him back, and the decision has to be made soon, it is because as a player he has qualities to make the team stronger. The team is not about the eleven. It is about the different options and as an option I would not say no about the possibility.”

The goal that Mourinho is talking about, is of course the winning penalty in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich; his last act as a Chelsea player.

Champions League success still eludes ‘The Special One’ at Stamford Bridge, and that is no doubt a driving ambition of his. The west London outfit have odds of 10/1 to lift the trophy next term, for what will be the second time in four years.