Er…don’t think you’re coming here, says Barcelona

Just before the Ivory Coast’s surprise semi-final exit from the Africa Cup of Nations this week, Didier Drogba took advantage of the media throng to publicly discuss his plans for the summer again. Those plans involve taking a one-way ticket from London to a large continental team, in spite of having signed a contract with Chelsea in 2006 in which he agreed to play for them until 2010 in exchange for an immense sum of money.

Earlier in the season he declared his wish to find a new employer, naming the two Milan sides, Real Madrid and Barcelona as those he considered suitable. That shortlist was shortened further this week, when he announced “My future is with Milan or Barcelona,” which has come as a bit of a shock to Barcelona at least, who seem to have little intention of making room for him given the abundance of centre forwards they already own. With Samuel Eto’o and Thierry Henry on the books, coach Frank Rijkaard has had to accommodate both in the same team by shoving Henry out wide, and is one of the few coaches in Europe who is going to be disappointed that the Africa Cup of Nations end and his headache return.

To further complicate the matter, Barcelona also have high hopes for their two teenagers Bojan Krkic and Giovanni Dos Santos, who have both featured in the first team this year. And while Ronaldinho will almost certainly be earning his crust elsewhere next season, room has to be found for Lionel Messi somewhere in that attacking formation.

So it seems fairly safe to assume that the only time Mr Drogba will be spending in Barcelona next year will be to check out Frank Lampard’s new holiday home. Better luck catching Milan’s eye, Didier.