Drogba: I joined Shanghai Shenhua for the experience, not the money

Didier Drogba has insisted that money was not the motivating factor behind his decision to join Chinese outfit Shanghai Shenhua after leaving Chelsea.

The Ivory Coast international made the move east in June after an illustrious eight-year spell at Stamford Bridge and claims that the deal was a genuine "career choice".

Drogba believes he still has a lot to offer as a player in China and added that he could have taken a less challenging option by staying in Europe.

"This is not a golden exile," Drogba told Telefoot. "It's a career choice. I assume it perfectly. And I know I can bring something to my new club. It would have been easier for me to stay in Europe, but I chose China. Money is not the most important [factor]. I am here for a whole new experience."

Drogba, who is now playing alongside former Chelsea teammate Nicolas Anelka, has already impressed at the club, netting four goals in six appearances so far.

And the 34-year-old stated that he had not moved to Asia to simply see out the final years of his career.

"I am not here to retire," said the striker, who scored the winning penalty for Chelsea in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich in May.

Follow GOAL.COM USA on Twitter