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The rumours that continue to link Didier Drogba with a Stamford Bridge exit were given further fuel today when the Ivroy Coast striker was reported as feeling snubbed at being left out of the squad for Chelsea's 4-1 FA Cup thrid round replay victory at Southend United last night.
Rumours have also persisted about a possible link-up with former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan, and about frequent rows with Chelsea coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, who was reported to have been losing patience before Christmas with the player's demands for more money.
But Drogba's team-mate, Frank Lampard, has asserted that the Ivorian will be going nowhere following his omission from the squad, and will instead use it to give his battle for a place in the side some renewed impetus.
"Didier is a very big personality and player at this club and he will take it in the right way, I'm sure," Lampard told Setanta Sports earlier.
"Hopefully he will remain a massive part of this club because he's definitely one of (the best), if not the best, strikers in the world. You always want those sort of people around."
Lampard also felt that Luiz Felipe Scoalri as coach of the side had every right to criticise his players, who should be mature enough to take it on the chin an duse it to help them improve.
"I don't think it's a problem - we're all men," Lampard added.
"When you're a professional at a team like Chelsea and play below par or make a mistake, you have to accept it yourself.
"If the manager criticises you, you have to understand that. There is not a problem with it at all."
