Villas-Boas reveals Drogba's near departure from Chelsea in 2012
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 26, 2026, 6:00 AM
Last updated Sep 26, 2026
Andre Villas-Boas discussed Didier Drogba's desire to leave Chelsea for Shanghai Shenhua during the 2011-2012 season. On The Obi One Podcast, Villas-Boas explained that Drogba approached him, indicating he wanted to join the Chinese club. The striker eventually stayed and played a pivotal role in Chelsea's 2012 Champions League victory. Drogba later departed for Shanghai Shenhua after winning both the Champions League and FA Cup that season.
- •Drogba wanted to leave Chelsea for Shanghai in January 2012.
- •Villas-Boas confirmed Drogba's request on The Obi One Podcast.
- •Drogba scored in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich.
- •Chelsea secured their first Champions League title that season.
- •Drogba returned to Chelsea in 2014 and won additional trophies.
- 6:00 AMYahoo Sports — Former Chelsea Boss Reveals Just How Close A Blues Icon Came From Leaving The Club
"Andre Villas-Boas details the moment Didier Drogba nearly departed Stamford Bridge for Shanghai.
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