Juan Mata hopes that Didier Drogba and Chelsea will reach a compromise that will allow the striker to remain at Stamford Bridge.

The Ivory Coast international will be out of contract in the summer and so far no agreement has been reached over a fresh deal.

Spanish midfielder Mata believes that Drogba, who scored twice against Valencia last night, is "very important" to the Blues.

"Didier is a super striker," Mata told the Evening Standard. "He is strong and fast, scores goals and makes assists. He is very important for us and against Valencia he showed it.

"I don't know what is happening. It is an individual decision between the club and Didier but for us it is important to have strikers like Didier, Fernando Torres and Salomon Kalou."

Drogba joined Chelsea in 2004 from French club Marseille.

Written by
Liam Apicella