Didier Drogba: I will stay at Chelsea and battle with Fernando Torres for a starting place

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has refuted claims he will leave the club this season, and admitted he faces a battle with Fernando Torres for a starting place.

The Ivorian has been linked with a move to Galatasary after losing his place to the Spaniard last season, but has insisted he will stay and fight for his place.

“I will definitely be here next season,” he said, according to the Telegraph.

“We have started talking about a new contract and it’s very interesting.

“Everybody knows what I feel about Chelsea and what I want. I said a few years ago that I will be here until the end of my contract and I am here. I want to finish my career at Chelsea.”

New Blues manager Andre Villas-Boas has already said his approach doesn’t favour two strikers playing up front, but Drogba claimed he will not back down.

When was asked if he was in competition with Torries, the 33-year-old said: “Yes, I think so. That’s the manager’s choice but it’s been like this for me for all my years before here.

“I’m 33, I’m the oldest player and it feels strange but I’m not worried. If I deserve to play then I will play. If I’m not good then I won’t.

“There’s always competition in the team but you can’t be the only striker. Even two years ago, there was still competition because I still had to perform.

“It was the same when Eidur Gudjohnsen, when Sheva Andrei Shevchenko was here and all of the other times. It’s nothing new and it’s good for the team to have some competition. It will push the team forward and get the best out of us.

“For me, it’s not a problem,” he added. “It’s not a problem to play with him or without him. The most important thing is winning games together as a team.

“I know what I did before and I’m proud of it. The most exciting challenge is what is coming now.

“Daniel Sturridge could have played before and Salomon Kalou. When I’m on the pitch, competition or not, I need to perform.”