Didier Drogba to Leave Chelsea: Five Places the Ivorian May Go

Less than 72 hours ago, Didier Drogba was leading Chelsea to their greatest moment in club history.

Now, the Ivorian, who will forever be beloved for his eight seasons at the Bridge, is set for a summer transfer.

At 34 years of age, it's hard to find fault with Chelsea for this move.

After all, no matter what a player has done for you (and yes, scoring the goals to win the Champions League final is included in this statement), you must move on at some point.

So where will Drogba be plying his trade for the twilight of his career?

Here are the five places where Drogba may transfer this summer and play out the rest of his glorious career.

Shanghai

Drogba has been linked with a move to Shanghai for quite some time.

The amount of money the club is looking to throw at Didier (250,000 pounds a week, to be exact) is, in and of itself, a tough thing to pass up. Also, unlike if he went to another European club, Drogba would not have a chance to go against the club he loves.

So what might hold this deal up?

It's been reported that, upon hearing that a deal was close, Drogba's ex-teammate and Shanghai's player-manager Nicolas Anelka threatened to quit the club if Drogba were to be signed.

Manchester City

Since November, Drogba's agent has said that his client will "go where he is offered the most money."

This clearly puts Manchester City in the running.

City have numerous expensive strikers at the moment, but might part ways with Carlos Tevez and Edin Dzeko this summer. I can't imagine Drogba wanting to transfer to another Premier League club and go up against Chelsea, but the money that City and Sheikh Mansour could offer Drogba is ludicrous.

One thing can be said about this move—it would certainly make for an interesting Community Shield.

Barcelona

Barcelona have reportedly been interested in Drogba since his showing against them in the Champions League semi-final.

Drogba's power, size and status as an out-and-out striker are missing pieces for Barcelona, evidenced by their inability to break down Chelsea's resilient defense. Barca have enough money to make a competitive offer.

Also, Drogba would certainly fit in with his ability to emphasize an opponent's foul.

Real Madrid

Drogba was brought to Chelsea in 2004, during Jose Mourinho's first season in charge of the Blues.

Mourinho and Drogba clearly built a great relationship at Stamford Bridge. Hence, now that Mourinho is at Real Madrid and Drogba is out of contract, the "Special One" could look to make a move for his old striker.

Money-wise, Madrid are very well-off and would certainly be able to make an appealing offer to Drogba.

Also, with Gonzalo Higuain maybe out the door, Drogba will offer depth at striker.

However, Mourinho hasn't made too many big moves for players as old as Drogba in the past. Additionally, Drogba might not get his wish at seeing first team football.

It's a long shot, but a mouth-watering prospect for Madridistas.

Paris Saint-Germain

For Drogba, Paris Saint-Germain have a lot to offer.

Like Real Madrid, they too have a manager that was at Chelsea with Didier in Carlo Ancelotti. Also, as they are nouveau riche thanks to the Qatari takeover last year, they will have lots of money to splash Drogba's way.

With a second place finish in Ligue 1 this season, PSG also have the promise of Champions League football next season. Finally, with their top goal-scoring striker having 11 goals in across all competitions, Drogba has a good chance of first team football.

Maybe there was a reason the news of Drogba leaving Chelsea was broken by France Football magazine.