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Drogba: China move is not about money
Jul 14, 2012 10:55:00 AM
The former Chelsea striker has arrived at new club Shanghai Shenhua and has stated that financial reasons were secondary to a new start in his decision to move to Asia
Didier Drogba has stated that the challenge of moving to China was his main reason for joining Shanghai Shenhua, not money.The Ivorian forward left Chelsea on a free transfer to join the ambitious Asian side this summer, and has admitted that his destination will be alien to him.
"I decided to come to China because the club's owner [Zhu Jun] attracted me," he revealed in his first press conference at his new club.
“It is a big challenge. If I still played in a European league it would be easier. I made a decision to choose China.
"Money is not the most important thing. I expect a new lifestyle here. I hope I can show China my culture, and take some Chinese culture back also," the 34-year-old stated.
Drogba joins former Blues team-mate Nicolas Anelka at the Chinese Super League club, who has been linked with a move away from the outfit.
However, Drogba is confident that the Frenchman will stay in Asia now that he has arrived, and predicts that he himself will fulfill his two-year contract in Shanghai.
“Before arriving I read some news about it and heard the rumours; I need to understand his situation [before commenting].
“Anelka has been waiting for me. Now I am here, so I don't think Anelka would leave.
“Every time I signed a new contract with Chelsea I would commit to it seriously. I will still be here in two years time. I came here to fight for the title and win, not retire."
The Ivorian also recalled his Champions League success, and has admitted that he will stay in contact with his former Stamford Bridge team-mates.
"It is a moment I will never forget,” he told Goal.com.
“We suffered a lot in the eight years I was at Chelsea. Chelsea is a part of my life, but now I am in Shanghai Shenhua. My life book has to turn to a new page.
“I will spend several weeks to get comfortable at the new club, and then I will introduce Shanghai Shenhua to them [Chelsea players].
“I will tell them [to join], but these kind of things should be discussed with Mr Zhu Jun."
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