Didier Drogba not planning on retiring at end of season

Didier Drogba isn't ready to hang up his boots just yet.

The Chelsea striker, now 37 and enjoying his second spell at a club where he is nothing short of a deity, was expected by many to walk away from the game at the end of the season. Not so fast, said the Ivorian.

"Yes I have and it's not going to be my last season," Drogba told the Evening Standard when asked if he had made a decision about his future.

Drogba, who signed a one-year contract last summer, did not make any indication of where he plans to play next season, though his history with manager Jose Mourinho makes it all but certain he will be offered another short-term contract by the Blues if he wants to stay in West London.

The powerful attacker has seen more action than he likely expected this season, with Diego Costa's paper mache hamstrings affording him the opportunity to make 35 appearances in all competitions (10 starts) and scoring six goals.

One of those starts came Sunday, when Drogba deputized for Costa and Loic Remy, playing all 90 minutes in the 1-0 win over QPR.

"It’s difficult when you don’t play and then have to go into these kind of games. But I always try to give my best," he added. "I tried to give the best of my physical capacity against QPR, so if the manager needs me against United and Arsenal, I’m ready."