Anelka: I will make Drogba stay

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Drogba's future at Stamford Bridge remains uncertain following the departure of Jose Mourinho in September, since when the striker made his desire to leave the club very public in a France Football magazine interview.

However, Anelka claims Drogba would be foolish to quit the west London club, saying: "I think when he comes back I will speak with him because he doesn't know anything about what happens when you leave England. I know because I did it and I know when I was outside of England and the Premier League it was hard. I would tell him to stay because he will not find what he has at Chelsea and in England anywhere else."

He added: "I spoke with him yesterday and I told him I'm looking forward to playing with him. I don't know what he thinks about his future but I will tell him to stay and we can be good together.

"I did it before, I know what happened in my life. I will speak to him and try to explain what happens when you leave.

"He is a big star in England and a big star in Chelsea and everybody loves him. It's up to him if he decides to leave - what can you do? - but I will tell him not to."

Anelka believes the timing would be wrong if Drogba decided to leave.

"He's 29 I think and if he wants to come back it's going to be very difficult. I did it when I was 20 so I could come back," he said.

"He's nearly 30, so if he signs somewhere and he regrets it, it's very difficult to come back. I don't regret leaving Arsenal, I knew what I had to do. When Real Madrid come to you, it's difficult to say no.

"You never know what will happen in your future. I did what I had to do and I'm just happy because I won the Champions League. I have no regrets. Life is like that."