Chelsea: Didier Drogba will make his own decision on Stamford Bridge future says Jose Mourinho

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho says Didier Drogba will be the one to make the decision on whether to renew his contract at Stamford Bridge and stay for a further season.

Following the departures of Fernando Torres, Samuel Eto'o and Demba Ba in the summer of 2014, the 37-year-old was part of the Mourinho's attacking overhaul that also saw Diego Costa and Loic Remy arrive at Stamford Bridge.

Having spent eight seasons at the west London club and being crucial in clinching the Champions League crown in 2012, the veteran striker agreed a one-year-deal to reunite with Mourinho at the Blues.

And even though Costa and Remy are ahead of him in the manager's pecking order, meaning his time has been restricted on the pitch, earlier in April, Drogba claimed he does not plan to retire at the end of the season.

He said: "I have made a decision, yes. And no, this is not my last season. It's difficult when you don't play and then have to go into these kind of games. But I try to give my best. I tried to give the best of my physical capacity against QPR, so if the manager needs me I'm ready."

And after starting two of the last three games due to Costa and Remy struggling with injuries, Mourinho has opened the door to renew the striker's contract if he wants to stay.

"I think it belongs to him: what he feels, what he thinks. When they reach this age, I think it's more about them analysing themselves. It's not just about the body. It's about the body, the brain, the heart, family, projects for the future," Mourinho said.

"I think, this is a club thing. This is a Mr Abramovich thing. Mr Abramovich wants him to do what he wants in the club, but it's something Mr Abramovich has to tell him. He has to decide. But, obviously, he belongs to the history of this club. These guys are special players."

The manager hailed the importance of the experience of veteran players like Drogba and Petr Cech in the Blues' successful campaign, having won the League Cup and being just six points away from the Premier League title.

"Petr was on the bench, but could perfectly be on the pitch. You know, for the older guys, it's also nice to belong to two different generations. If we are champions this season, Petr, Drogba and John [Terry], and also [John Obi Mikel], they'll belong to two generations, the same as me," Mourinho said.

"It's nice to belong to the history of a club in different moments. If we manage to be champions, it's very nice for these older guys."