Shanghai Shenhua boss confirms Drogba is on the way

Shanghai Shenhua boss Zhu Jun has confirmed Didier Drogba will announce his move to the club in the next few days.

Drogba (pictured), who left Chelsea on a free transfer at the end of June after eight years with the London club, is set to sign a 2 1/2-year contract with Shenhua, a deal which also includes a commercial considerations. The 34-year-old, who will reportedly be paid 12 million euros ($15 million) a year, will arrive in Shanghai in early July and is expected to make his China debut in Shenhua's home game against Beijing Guo'an on July 14.

"We have studied Drogba's character and we believe he has what our team needs," Zhu told Chinese paper Soccer News. "Though he is already 34 years old, he is playing in good form, and his performance in the European Champions League confirmed our thoughts about him."

Shenhua chased the Cote d'Ivoire international last December, but the talks came to an abrupt halt when Zhu said Drogba's agent had proposed too many conditions.

Clubs from Europe and Asia joined in the chase for Drogba after his outstanding performances for the Blues during the Champions League, and he was offered an annual salary higher than Shenhua's bid by UAE club Al Wasl.

"The talks became a bit of a melee when some international powerhouses joined the battle," Zhu said.

"But we were always full of confidence because we did the most detailed work. We not only talked to him about how much money he would make with Shenhua, but also offered to help him plan his future and arrange charitable projects for him.

"China's increasing fame and (economic) power also helped us a lot," the paper quoted Zhu as saying.

"Maybe we would not need international stars like Drogba if we were only in the domestic league, but as a club from the metropolis of Shanghai, we have a duty to make Shenhua a club with international appeal; therefore the introduction of Nicolas Anelka and Drogba is an important part of the club's development."

Shenhua signed a two-year contract with Drogba's former Chelsea teammate Anelka last December. The Frenchman is reportedly receiving 200,000 euros ($291,000) a week and was expected to lead the club to the top of the CSL table. Shenhua, however, is a lowly 12th among the 16 teams after 13 games.

The 33-year-old also became a headache for the club when coach Jean Tigana was edged out of his post and then Anelka, the interim boss, voiced his dissatisfaction at the club's search for a new coach. Former Argentina manager Sergio Batista has taken the club's reins now.

"Anelka played very hard in the first half of the season. I have talked with him and I feel he is really eager to bring Shenhua victories," Zhu said. "But soccer is an 11 against 11 game, and one Anelka is not enough.

"I have no concerns about the relationship between Anelka and Drogba because they were friends at Chelsea. Anelka said he welcomed the arrival of Drogba and I believe combining them on the field will make a great difference to the team."

Zhu also told the paper Shenhua was in talks with Columbian international Giovanni Moreno. It has been rumored the 25-year-old would cost Shenhua $9 million.

"Batista and his agent have given me a detailed report about this player. They say he is a rare midfield talent, and claim he would be a great complement to Drogba and Anelka," Zhu said. "Distinguished players don't come cheaply, but there is certainly a real chance he could come.

"I told Batista we must hold on for the next three league matches and then the big names will come after that. Then it will be the time for us to reverse our fortunes," he said.

tangzhe@chinadaily.com.cn