Didier Drogba says Fernando Torres is Chelsea's future

Didier Drogba has told BBC Sport that Fernando Torres offers a bright future for Chelsea despite his difficult start to life at Stamford Bridge.

The Spaniard, who arrived for £50m from Liverpool in January 2011, has revealed his frustration at life with the Blues.

But the departing Drogba says Torres will prove himself next season.

"We have a good relationship. We don't understand why we didn't play together more, but that's the past. Torres is the future," said Drogba.

"It's been difficult for him, but he has showed he is the man. Next season is going to be his season and I will try to speak to him."

Torres, 28, was disappointed to start on the bench in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich, which saw Drogba round off his Chelsea career with the equaliser and then the decisive spot-kick in the penalty shoot-out.

Ivory Coast international Drogba, 34, has subsequently confirmed he is leaving Stamford Bridge after eight years.

Doubts still surround the managerial position at Chelsea, who finished sixth in the Premier League, with interim boss Roberto di Matteo not offered assurances about his future despite winning the Champions League and FA Cup.

But Drogba, who won 10 trophies, including three Premier League titles with the Stamford Bridge club, is sure the Blues will continue to challenge for silverware on a regular basis.

He added: "Being here for eight years, it will be a big change.

"Players will go, some stay, but the club will remain as ambitious as it has always been. I am not worried.

"Chelsea was there before I came and always will be.

"It's impossible to forget this moment. Leaving Chelsea in any case would be difficult, but now even more. It is impossible, Chelsea is in my heart. My blood is blue and my heart even more so."