Galatasaray signs Drogba: Reports

ISTANBUL

Ivory Coast's Didier Drogba reacts after scoring a goal during the international friendly soccer match against Austria in Linz November 14, 2012. REUTERS photo

Galatasaray made the second blockbuster signing of the year in a 1.5-year deal with Ivory Coast star Didier Drogba, Turkish broadcaster LigTV reported. 

The Turkish champion, which has made arguably the biggest transfer move of the current transfer window with the purchase of Wesley Sneijder from Inter Milan, has agreed to terms with the veteran forward and his club Shanghai Shenhua of China. 

Daily Sabah reported yesterday that Galatasaray would pay 5 million euros a year to the former Chelsea ace. 

Daily Fanatik reported yesterday that Drogba wanted to leave China and was close to agreeing on the termination of his $23 million contract to make his return to Europe. 

Galatasaray, which hopes to make it to the Champions League quarterfinals, will meet Schalke 04 of Germany in next month’s round-of-16 game in the top-level European club competition. 

Drogba was a member of the Champions League-winning Chelsea side in the 2011-2012 campaign. 

The 34-year-old powerhouse forward is currently with his Ivory Coast national team for the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.