Drogba delight with Chelsea deal

Three-year deal
The 26-year-old Ivorian international has signed a three-year deal with the Premiership side after flying into London today and passing a medical. He joins from Olympique de Marseille for an undisclosed fee reported to be between €35 and €40m. "I am very happy to be here," he told Chelsea TV. "I hope it will be a very good and very long adventure with Chelsea and with all the fans of Chelsea."

Kenyon delight
Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon added: "I think his record speaks for itself. I and everyone else feel confident that the money spent on him will be paid back in doing what he does best - by scoring goals."

Drogba adapts
Drogba, whose European career began with Le Mans UC 72 in France's Ligue 2, admitted it has been a long road to the top. "It was difficult for me," he said. "I was in the lower divisions and it was new for me and it was difficult to score, to adapt my physique."

Mourinho impressed
He also said that he believed his performances against FC Porto in the UEFA Champions League group stage last season had impressed then Porto coach José Mourinho, who is now in charge at Chelsea. "I played well, I think it's the reason why I am here," he said. "It's a big chance for me to come here to work with the coach, José Mourinho, and play for my new team."

Gudjohnsen staying
The Ivorian will compete for a place in the first team with Mateja Kezman, Adrian Mutu and Eidur Gudjohnsen, who today signed a new four-year contract. "I'm very pleased," said the 25-year-old Icelandic international. "It obviously shows the confidence that the club have in me and I'm delighted to have sorted out my future at Chelsea."

Tiago talks
Chelsea were today also in negotiations with Portuguese midfield player Tiago about a move from SL Benfica. A fee has been agreed for the 23-year-old and he has passed a medical.