These stories are samples pulled from external media sources. They do not represent the views or position of Chelsea Football Club.

Toure backs Drogba bid

Didier Drogba’s campaign to become president of the Ivorian Football Federation has received a huge shot in the arm after former Ivory Coast captain Yaya Toure threw his support behind the Chelsea legend, Goal.com reports.

According to the former Manchester City and Barcelona midfielder, Drogba is the right man to lead the organisation going forward.

‘It's time for change in our football. It needs modernity,’ said Toure who succeeded Drogba as Ivory Coast captain in 2014.

‘When I say I support Drogba, it's also for the good of the country, to have a former player of his kind investing himself in Africa.

‘Didier was my big brother, my captain. People talked a lot about us but we were always calm, wise. We know each other. Too many people tried to criticise him - the press, fans.

‘I know he is looking for support and I hope he will get it from some of the voters, presidents of clubs or AFI (Ivorian Association of Football Players).’

Houghton thankful for Chelsea Academy experience

MK Dons midfielder Jordan Houghton has spoken to Sky Sports about his time as a Chelsea Academy player, saying he is grateful for the opportunity to play with our successful youth team and to train with great players at Cobham.

Houghton joined Chelsea at Under-8 level and won the FA Youth Cup with the Blues in 2014 but did not play a senior game for the club before he was released in 2018.

However, he feels positive about the experience he gained in our Academy.

‘I look at it from a glass half full perspective. I had 12 or 13 years there and had an education, I was learning and growing into a man,’ he said.

‘I had amazing opportunities and memories from that youth career, getting to train with great players in the first team and amazing managers.

‘There have been good times and it's made me into the person I am now so I'm very grateful for all the amazing staff and coaches I've had and I'm pretty lucky to be where I am now playing football as a job.’

Houghton named some of the big players he trained with and revealed he still kept in touch with some of them.

‘John Terry and Didier Drogba were so helpful, Michael Essien, David Luiz were top guys,’ he added.

‘A couple of them I now see as football friends. They were idols growing up so to still be in touch now is surreal.’

Sancho reportedly wants London move

According to the Daily Express, European football expert Gabriel Marcotti has suggested Jadon Sancho would prefer a move to London if he leaves Borussia Dortmund this summer.

Recent reports have suggested the England international is close to signing for Manchester United but in an interview with BTP Media Network, Marcotti revealed the London native may want to return to the capital after his German stint.

‘I’ve been told Sancho would prefer a move back home in other words to London where he grew up,’ he said.

‘But equally I’m sure he prefers a move for wherever gives him the best package and long-term prospects.

‘Obviously he has leverage and in normal conditions, a United move would have happened.’