Kenyon: Drogba going nowhere

1st December 2008

Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon insists Ivorian striker Didier Drogba has a future at Stamford Bridge.

Kenyon, speaking at a press conference to announce a four-year sponsorship extension with tour operator and travel partners Thomas Cook, said Drogba would not be sold in the January transfer window and he expects him to remain at the club until the end of his current contract.

"Didier is under contract with us for the next 18 months," said Kenyon. "He will be going nowhere unless we agree."

Drogba's future came under fresh speculation last week when the player was alleged to have attended a meeting with Inter Milan sporting director Marco Branca at a Fulham restaurant.

The Ivory Coast international has served two games of a three-match domestic ban for throwing a coin back at Burnley fans during their Carling Cup tie.

But Kenyon added: "I am concerned about the reports only because it is unsettling.

"It is as much down to us as anybody else. I don't know whether he did or didn't meet with anyone. It is not relevant. Didier has been injured, then banned and he's back after the Bolton game.

"He is a big player. He is important for us and we want him back because he is one of those players who can make a difference. But Didier will be going nowhere in January."