Andre Villas-Boas has revealed that Didier Drogba has a future at Chelsea and is hopeful that a new deal can be agreed with the striker.
The 33-year-old, who is due to join up with the Ivory Coast national team next month for the Africa Cup of Nations, has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge.
"Didi is important, it's straightforward," said Villas-Boas. "It's not just because he is performing now that we are going to change our mind. The conversation has been ongoing since the beginning and we are looking to push for that.
"It's not just my decision. It's a decision between the two parts and we have to wait and see what kind of agreement we reach."
The frontman comes to the end of his contract next summer.
