With Chelsea now confirming that Didier Drogba and the club have opted to part ways, the legendary centre forward has left a message to the club and fans on his official website:

Even the greatest stories come to an end. My contract is finished and I am now prepared to leave the Blues. It is with great sadness but also with much gratitude that I announce you my departure from Chelsea.

I played my last game for the club in Munich and I am delighted to have finally been able to lift the Champions League trophy after an incredible final. I am sad, even if it is part of the life of a footballer. We have to accept it. Above all, I will remember all the great seasons I have had here, and all the emotions that will remain forever etched in my memory.

Thanks again to all the fans for their tremendous support. I wish the best success to this club where I may come back in the future, but in a different role.

What a great story the big man had here. And what a fantastic ending. Goals in not only the Champions League and FA Cup Finals, but vital efforts in both semifinals and the winning penalty for the most important club trophy on earth with his very last kick of his Chelsea career.

Hopefully he'll be back in some capacity very soon (perhaps he could be there for the official trophy presentation?), but until then, good luck and godspeed to one of our true greats. We'll probably never see another player quite like him again.

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