Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has hinted he may be staying on at Stamford Bridge this summer, contrary to all speculation suggesting otherwise...As soon as Jose Mourinho was unceramoniously shown the door at Stamford Bridge in October, no one amidst the Chelsea troops seemed to take it quite as hard as Drogba.

The Ivorian was particularly attached the Portuguese coach, and there have since been innumerous rumours linking him with whichever club the self-proclaimed Special One next chooses to manage.

Milan, Barcelona and Real Madrid have all been mentioned on a regular basis, the the recent frontrunners for the player's signature - at least according to much of the press - are Internazionale.

After Roberto Mancini's faux-resignation on the back of their Champions League exit at the hands of Liverpool, rumours have been rife that the former Italian international is going to be replaced this summer, despite guiding them to what is almost certain to be consecutive league titles.

That's where Mourinho comes in, and Drogba is rumoured to follow. However, the outspoken striker who first revealed his desire to leave to France Football several months ago, has now seemingly backtracked on what many had already set in stone as a summer departure.

His change of heart may have come off the back of the Blues' incredibly strong end to the season and, should they claim the league, the Champions League, or incredibly, both, we may see the former Marseille man stay with Avram Grant and company for a few more years yet.

"People are sending me everywhere, but I still have two years on my contract," he said. "I only have the end of the season with Chelsea on my mind.

"Stories I am going to Inter with Jose Mourinho? I know, I know. It's very flattering, but not for today."

Forgotten

The eccentric powerhouse also assured that the on-field spat between he and match-winner Michael Ballack during the Manchester United game on Saturday has been forgotten and that the two are getting along fine.

Ballack himself expressed a similar view directly after the game, but speculation was ongoing that Drogba still harboured resentment, but this has been denied by the striker.

He went on to praise the German international, revealing his great respect for him and hailing him as Chelsea's most important player at the moment, as he has recently come into great form following a horrible start to his Chelsea career that was blighted by injury.

"It was 1-1, we absolutely had to score and we had this free-kick we both wanted to take because we both thought we'd score," explained Drogba.

"I had a good feel for it and so did he. There was a lot of tension and emotion on the pitch, it was a big match and, yes, we did have a clash.

"These are things that happen. Five minutes later, it was all forgotten. Ballack is a person I particularly respect as a player and a man.

"He has had a terrible time this season, but has come back very strong. He makes the difference. He is Chelsea's most important player at the moment."