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ESPNsoccernet: Global | |
Nicolas Anelka remains hopeful former Chelsea strike partner Didier Drogba will join him in China at Shanghai Shenhua this summer.
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Drogba has turned down a one-year extension to his current deal at Stamford Bridge, which expires at the end of the season, when he would become a free agent. The 33-year-old wanted two more years with Chelsea, but the club have refused to offer that length of contract.
Wealthy Chinese club Shanghai claimed in January they were in talks to sign the Ivory Coast international after bolstering their strike force through the signing of Anelka and former Beijing Guoan front-man Joel Griffiths.
Shanghai unveiled their new recruit Anelka to the Chinese media on Thursday, when his comments about Drogba reportedly caused a stir.
"I often contact him. If all goes well, he should be able to come to Shanghai," Anelka told Xinmin newspaper.
Anelka immediately clarified the deal was not done, adding: "Of course, if he can, which does not depend on me, but is to be determined by the club owners and investors."