The rumors were flying yesterday that Didier Drogba would not be signing a new deal with European Champions Chelsea, leaving as a free agent after eight years at Stamford Bridge. Although the quotes purporting to reveal Drogba's decision were dismissed by the player's agents, Chelsea themselves have now confirmed that the Ivorian is set to depart this summer:

Drogba leaves on a high, with the final kick of his career at the club the winning spot kick against Bayern Munich in the Champions League final. It remains unclear as to just where he'll end up, with Shanghai Shenhua in China a rumored possibility, and with his performances in both the FA Cup and the Champions League this season there are sure to be several suitors for his services.

The 34-year-old made 338 appearances for the Blues following a big-money move from Marseille in 2004, scoring 157 goals in the process. He leaves as the club's fourth-highest scorer, and has won ten major honors in his time at Chelsea.