Didier Drogba admits he's feeling more and more isolated at Chelsea. "I felt lonely when the season started in July. Everybody was obsessed with winning their place in the team," said Drogba. "And I was stuck in the fitness room when the group left for a pre-season tour. I was alone with the machines.

"I didn't really have anyone to talk to. Every year I have been losing a close friend.

"There was Geremi, then William Gallas, then Makelele. It's a lot. I went through a big moment of loneliness."