Didier Drogba is reportedly moving closer toward making China the next stop on his career path.
The former Chelsea striker, who confirmed Tuesday that he was leaving the Blues after eight years and just delivering a UEFA Champions League title, has entered into negotiations with Shanghai Shenhua, according to the Chinese club that also employs his former Chelsea teammate, Nicolas Anelka, as a player/coach.
Drogba, who said, "I would have stayed (at Chelsea) if we hadn't won the Champions League," is able to move on a free transfer with his current contract expiring next month.
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SOLKSJAER PASSES ON ASTON VILLA
Aston Villa will have to turn their coaching search to a new direction, because Ole Gunnar Solksjaer won't be leaving Norway to come to Villa Park.
The former Manchester United standout and current Molde FK coach passed on the chance to become Alex McLeish's successor. Solksjaer, who currently coaches American winger Josh Gatt, interviewed with Villa owner Randy Lerner over the weekend but ultimately decided to stay put for personal reasons, according to reports. It is uncertain whether Lerner officially offered the job to Solksjaer, as conflicting reports state both that it was and was not offered to the 39-year-old Norwegian.
EGYPT SHUTS OUT TOGO
Bob Bradley continued his winning ways as Egypt national team coach, guiding the Pharaohs to a 3-0 victory over Togo in Sudan to improve to 10-1-2 since taking over.
Mohamed Salah scored twice after Gedo opened the scoring to extend Egypt's unbeaten streak to 12 matches, all of which have been friendlies. Egypt is slated to play one more match before a string of African Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers begin next month. The team Egypt is playing in the ACN qualifiers, Central African Republic, just had its coach quit after eight months of unpaid wages.
ROBBEN BOOED BY MUNICH FANS IN FRIENDLY
When the Netherlands and Bayern Munich agreed to a friendly as part of a settlement for Arjen Robben getting hurt on international duty, it seemed as if the stage would be set for a light, celebratory day for the Dutch winger. Instead, his performance in last weekend's UEFA Champions League final lingered over the whole event, and, as it turns out, Munich fans are not quick to forget.
Playing for the Netherlands in the match, Robben was booed and jeered by his own fans after he came on as a halftime substitute of Bayern's 3-2 victory at Allianz Arena. Robben missed a penalty in extra time that would have put Bayern ahead of Chelsea and in position to capture the Champions League trophy. He had his spot kick saved, though, and Chelsea took the title in penalties.
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Do you hope to see Drogba move elsewhere than Shanghai Shenhua? Think Solksjaer made the right move by passing on Aston Villa? Happy to see Egypt get another victory? Think Robben deserved the harsh treatment from Bayern Munich fans?
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