LONDON, Sept 28: Didier Drogba has admitted Luiz Felipe Scolari persuaded him to stay at Chelsea when the Ivory Coast striker was considering a move away from Stamford Bridge in the close-season.

Drogba spent much of last season disgruntled after Jose Mourinho’s shock exit and he was repeatedly linked with a transfer during the transfer window.

But the former Marseille star eventually decided to snub interest from several top European clubs after an emotional heart-to-heart with new boss Scolari.

Having worked with the Brazilian for nearly three months now, Drogba is happy that he made the right choice and has likened Scolari to Mourinho.

Drogba is determined to help Chelsea make amends for last season’s defeat to Manchester United Champions League final.

The Blues lost out on penalties in Moscow but Drogba believes they can go one step further in the competition under Scolari.

“Europe has become the unfinished business of my career,” he said. “The game against Manchester United in Moscow is still a painful memory for the players.

“We had the cup so close but we have to forget and concentrate on reaching the final again this season.

“Chelsea were better than United in Moscow and we should never have got to penalties. We were on top in extra time and we should have finished the job.—AFP