Didier Drogba is relishing the chance to have another crack on the stage he revels most - the Champions League - after sealing a return to Europe with Galatasaray.
The former Chelsea striker last night agreed to join the Turkish giants after just six months with Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua on an 18-month deal.
His representatives revealed on Twitter that the Ivory Coast international would join up with his new side following the African Nations Cup and Gala confirmed the deal on their official website.
Explaining the reasons behind his move to Turkey, Drogba said through his representatives, Sports PR Company, on Twitter: "The opportunity to play for this great club was an offer that I could not turn down.
"I am looking forward to playing in the Champions League again, against the best clubs in Europe."
Drogba's Ivory Coast team-mate, Emmnauel Eboue, appears to have played an integral role in convincing the striker to join him in Istanbul. “I would like another African player to join us. I’ve told Drogba a lot about life here," the former Arsenal right-back said.
Speaking to Sport360° earlier this month, Eboue said he had no doubt Drogba could still cut it in European football despite his disappointing sojourn in China.
Drogba's capture is the second marque signing within a week for Gala, coming hot on the heels of the arrival last week of Holland midfielder Wesley Sneijder from Inter Milan.
The 34-year-old joined Shanghai last June, penning a two-and-a-half year deal reportedly worth £200,000 a week, but was repeatedly linked with a move back to Europe in recent months.
Last month Drogba returned to train with Chelsea during the Chinese off-season in preparation for the African Nations Cup in South Africa.
FIFA rejected a special request from the striker for him to join a club on loan outside the transfer window, amid speculation linking him with Juventus, AC Milan and Liverpool, among others.
Despite his protests to the contrary, reports persisted that Drogba's move to China had not worked out, largely due to boardroom wrangling, and he has now left the Far East to return to Europe.
Gala are five points clear at the top of the Super Lig standings and are through to the last 16 of the Champions League, where they face German club Schalke.
Read more:
- Big interview: Emmanuel Eboue eyes African domination with Ivory Coast
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Read more... http://www.chelseamashup.com/2013/01/29/return-of-the-drog-chelsea-hero-joins-forces-with-sneijder/
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