"It is no use just having one top-level striker in the team and expect him to score goals in every game. They need a better class of players all around the field. Club owners need to invest in grassroots players who are homegrown as the gap is huge between local players and the ones taken in from overseas."

Marlon Harewood, former English Premier League star

"I am waiting for him. There were a lot of games when I was alone in front. I would think if Didier was here the situation would have been better. I could pass him the ball."

Nicolas Anelka, Shenhua striker and Drogba's former teammate at Chelsea

"Both Shenhua players and its fans are feeling low due to the side's poor ranking at the moment. I hope Didier can help lift the team out of this predicament and control the pitch with his strength."

Li Hui, deputy director of the BlueBoys Supporters Club (Shenhua's fan club)

"It would be interesting if Drogba played in Saturday's game People said Anelka is very fierce but we defeated Shanghai 3-2 during his debut game in Shenhua So it doesn't matter if Drogba or any others come."

Gao Chao, general manager of Beijing Guo'an, before Saturday's game against Shenghua, which Drogba watched on the sideline.

"I hope Drogba will fall in love with Shanghai and make his own contribution to help Shenhua get a good ranking."

Zhou Jun, Shenhua director.

(China Daily 07/15/2012 page7)