Didier Drogba Confirms That He Will Leave Galatasaray

Didier Drogba will keep his options open for the future after announcing that he will be leaving Galatasaray this summer. 

The 36-year-old forward most recently helped the Turkish squad advance to the knockout stage of UEFA Champions League before falling to his former club, Chelsea, in the round of 16. In eight matches, Drogba scored two goals and added three assists.    

Galatasaray also finished in second place in the 2013-14 Turkish Super Lig behind Fenerbahce.

However, it appears that the veteran player is set to move to a new club when his contract expires in the offseason. Drogba said his goodbyes on the club's official TV channel, via Goal.com:

Galatasaray will always be in my heart, I'm very proud to have represented this team. 

I didn't come here for money. If I wanted money I would have stayed in China. I came to Turkey to play football, to feel the passion again. Scoring against Fenerbahce and Besiktas, I think I gave some happiness to our fans.

While it is not yet known where the player will end up next season, it is clear that he is still capable of contributing at a high level. Any club with high aspirations and available playing time could use the addition of an elite scorer, distributor and leader such as Drogba on the attack.

Back in February, Joe Prince-Wright of ProSoccerTalk cited rumors linking Drogba to MLS clubs like New York Red Bulls and Seattle Sounders, while also acknowledging a potential reunion with Jose Mourinho at Chelsea, where the Ivorian won the 2012 UEFA Champions League.

Before he makes a move to his next club, though, Drogba's focus will be on the World Cup. The Ivory Coast national will be competing in the international event for the third time in his career and will hope to finally reach the knockout stage.

Drogba is one of a number of talented players on the roster who have competed in Europe for various clubs, including this group courtesy of ESPN FC:

If Drogba can provide a strong performance over the summer, you can be certain that there will be a number of clubs in various leagues around the world looking to sign the free agent before the start of next season.

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