Chelsea striker Didier Drogba admits the last six months have been the toughest in his career.

The former Marseille striker did not score his first goal of the season until November 12 in a Carling Cup fourth-round clash with Burnley at Stamford Bridge.

Then, while celebrating his goal, he appeared to make a one-fingered gesture towards the Clarets fans and threw a coin picked up off the pitch into the crowd.

The FA charged Drogba with violent conduct and he was subsequently given a three-match ban after admitting the charge.

Although Drogba has committed his future to the Blues and insists he would be happy to finish his career in west London, he admits the past few months have taken their toll.

When asked if it has been the toughest period of his career, Drogba told Sky Sports News: "Yes, you can say that, it has been really tough in the last six months.

"But I've been through difficult moments before so I know how to get myself out of this. Too many bad things have been said on me in the last few weeks, I don't really want to speak about it, I feel like what I've done (the coin throwing) is really bad.

"So it is better for me to keep quiet on that and to be back on the pitch and do what I know best."

However, Drogba has also called for the criticism to be balanced - especially in the light of the Champions League final.

"It's not my fault, I'm a football player and a public person; to be criticised okay - but I think sometimes we need to be fair," he added. "It's easy to say Drogba is guilty for the loss instead to say Chelsea were unlucky. I had to (take the blame).

"It's difficult but I can't lose, and I won't lose, my happiness; it's not possible."