Departing Chelsea hero Didier Drogba has insisted that Fernando Torres can lead the line in his absence next season.

The Ivorian confirmed earlier today that he would be leaving the club when his contract at Stamford Bridge expires in the summer.

Drogba spent 18 months playing with Torres since the Spaniard's £50m move from Premier League rivals Liverpool, but they were rarely paired together in attack.

Despite this, Drogba insists that they have a good relationship and is confident that Torres can step into his goalscoring boots for the Blues.

"Yes it has been a difficult season for him but he has shown in a few games that he is the man. Next season is going to be his season," Drogba told BBC Sport.

"We have a very good relationship and we didn't understand why we didn't play together more but that is the past.

"Really, Torres is the future here at Stamford Bridge."

The 34-year-old waved goodbye to Chelsea by netting the decisive penalty in their Champions League triumph over Bayern Munich on Saturday.