Maradona: Al Wasl cannot afford Drogba

Jun 5, 2012 5:15:00 AM

The Argentine has ruled his UAE club out in the race for the Ivory Coast international, despite reports claiming they were putting together a 'serious' offer for his services

Al Wasl coach Diego Maradona has ruled his club out of the race for Didier Drogba claiming they simply cannot afford the 2011-12 Uefa Champions League winner.

The Argentine's UAE club have been linked with the 34-year-old Ivorian who is out of contract after leaving Chelsea at the end of last season.

However, Drogba is being pursued by Chinese big-spenders Shanghai Shenhua who have reportedly tabled an contract worth €230,000 per week, while Spanish champions Real Madrid are also in the race.

Speaking to reporters, Maradona said his club simply didn't have the funds to compete for Drogba's signature.

“A club with the right finances can attract Drogba. Right now Al Wasl isn’t in that category. I heard he’s going to China," Maradona said.

Last week a club official had said according to Sport360 that Al Wasl were making a "serious" attempt to lure the Ivory Coast international to Dubai.

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