London, England (My Sportsbook) - Chelsea striker Didier Drogba signed a new four-deal deal with the two-time defending Premiership champions on Friday that will keep him with the Blues for the next six years.

The 28-year-old Drogba was originally signed from Ligue 1 side Marseille in 2004 by Jose Mourinho. He got off to slow start at Stamford Bridge but has rounded into form nicely, scoring 12 league goals last season before tallying five in the Premiership and an additional five in the Champions League so far this campaign.

"I am not playing well just because I wanted to sign a new contract," Drogba told Chelsea TV. "I am playing well because I feel good and I am happy to train with my friends.

I want to say thank you to Jose (Mourinho) for believing in me since the beginning and now we will be together for a long time. The best period of my career I think."

The Ivory Coast international has become one of the top strikers in the Premiership, teaming with recently acquired Andriy Shevchenko to give Chelsea the most dynamic striker tandem in England.

While Shevchenko has adjusted slowly to the English game, Drogba has looked extremely comfortable. In addition to his five goals, he consistently draws the top defender from the opposition, and seems to come up big when it matters most.

Drogba pulled Chelsea even in stoppage time this past Tuesday in a Champions League clash at Barcelona, and is the player that the Blues look to most when they are in need of a goal.

Chelsea is currently tied atop the Premiership standings with Manchester United and holds a comfortable lead in the Group A standings of the Champions League. Drogba figures to play a big role the rest of the way in Chelsea's quest for an elusive Champions League title, as well as a third consecutive English league trophy.