Turkish giants Galatasaray have signed former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba from Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua. The Turkish club confirmed on their official website that Drogba had agreed an 18-month deal. The 34-year-old legendary striker is currently on international duty for Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Drogba said on Twitter: "I am looking forward to playing in the Champions League again." Galatasaray are through to the last 16 of the competition, where they will face German side FC Schalke 04. "The opportunity to play for this great club was an offer that I could not turn down," added Drogba. The player's representatives said he will join up with the Turkish side once the Africa Cup of Nations is over.
Drogba is Galatasaray's second high-profile signing of the month after Dutch international Wesley Sneijder joined from Inter Milan. The former Marseille striker left Chelsea last summer after eight years with the Blues, helping them to win the Champions League last May in his final game with the team. Then he joined Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua in June and scored eight goals in 11 appearances.
Drogba had initially looked to return to Europe on loan and Chelsea had been in talks over a deal. However, football world governing body Fifa blocked the move, saying it was against international transfer rules. Drogba's former Chelsea team-mate Nicolas Anelka could also be leaving Shanghai Shenhua after having a medical at Italian champions Juventus.
Galatasaray meet Schalke in the Champions League on February 20, here are the odds for that match at Bet365:
Galatasaray win - 6/4
Draw - 23/10
Schalke win - 9/5
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