Drogba hopes personal apology will save his Chelsea career

London, May 17 (ANI): Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has given a personal apology to club owner Roman Abramovich, paving the way for the controversial player to stay at Stamford Bridge.

The Chelsea hierarchy took a dim view of his behaviour in the aftermath of their Champions League exit against Barcelona and, with only a year on his contract, Drogba seemed certain to be sold this summer.

The Sun reports that the club's billionaire owner will ultimately make the decision on Drogba's future in the absence of a permanent coach.

But a source close to Drogba said: "Didier is totally committed to Chelsea despite the fallout from the semi-final. The club have been supportive of him over the years and he wants to repay that faith."

With the FA Cup Final against Everton looming, Drogba is determined to end the season on a high and his contrition over the Barcelona bust-up at least looks to have earned him contract talks in the summer.

It is believed the Ivorian would love to sign a long-term deal which would see him end his career at Stamford Bridge. But the club would have reservations about handing a lengthy contract to a player who turned 31 two months ago. (ANI)