Ferguson Pounces on Drogba Departure

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes Didier Drogba's departure from Chelsea is good news given the striker's experience of the big occasion.

Drogba confirmed his departure from Chelsea at the end of the season after inspiring the club to Champions League and FA Cup success in the last campaign.

The Ivorian has since signed a deal with Chinese outfit Shanghai Shenhua, where he will join up with former Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka, who joined the club last January.

During his eight-year career at Stamford Bridge, Drogba earned a reputation for being an uncompromising forward, with his physicality meaning he's regarded as one of the most devastating strikers in the division's history.

And Ferguson admits, having been on the receiving end of Drogba's brilliance, namely in the FA Cup final in 2007, when the 34 year old's extra-time winner sealed the first silverware at the new Wembley, that he's glad to see the back of him.

"When you think of the season he's just had, I must say it is a big boost for us that Drogba is leaving Chelsea," Ferguson said in The People.

"He scored that fantastic goal in the final with two minutes to go and his goalscoring record in the big games, in big finals, is incredible.

"As far as I was concerned, he won the Champions League for Chelsea."

Drogba netted an 84<sup>th minute header against Bayern Munich in the Champions League final, cancelling out Thomas Muller's opener, before scoring the winning penalty in the shoot-out.

Despite his influence in Munich, Drogba's influence had wavered for The Blues during his final season at the club, having netted just five goals in 16 starts in the Premier League, as Fernando Torres was handed more opportunities to spearhead the attack.

The Spaniard is likely to be given more responsibility in Roberto Di Matteo's first full season in charge, having been handed the managerial reigns on a full-time basis following his double-trophy success last term.