Didier Drogba said that Fernando Torres offers a
bright future for Chelsea despite his difficult start to life at
Stamford Bridge.
The Spaniard, who
arrived for £50m from Liverpool
in January 2011, has revealed his
frustration at life with the Blues.
But
the departing Drogba
says Torres will prove himself next season.
"We have a good relationship. We don't understand why
we didn't play together more, but that's the past. Torres is the
future," said Drogba.
"It's been difficult for him, but he has showed he is
the man. Next season is going to be his season and I will try to speak
to him."
Torres, 28, was
disappointed to start on the bench
in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich, which saw
Drogba round off his Chelsea career with the equaliser and then the
decisive spot-kick in the penalty shoot-out.
Ivory Coast international Drogba, 34, has subsequently confirmed he is leaving Stamford Bridge after eight years.
Doubts still surround the managerial position at Chelsea, who finished sixth in the Premier League, with interim boss
Roberto di Matteo not offered assurances about his future
despite winning the Champions League and FA Cup.
But Drogba, who won 10 trophies, including three
Premier League titles with the Stamford Bridge club, is sure the Blues
will continue to challenge for silverware on a regular basis.
He added: "Being here for eight years, it will be a big change.
"Players will go, some stay, but the club will remain as ambitious as it has always been. I am not worried.
"Chelsea was there before I came and always will be.
"It's impossible to forget this moment. Leaving Chelsea
in any case would be difficult, but now even more. It is impossible,
Chelsea is in my heart. My blood is blue and my heart even more so."
Chelsea hero exits after eight years