We all knew that Didier Drogba would be a sensation in China, but the reception in Shanghai’s airport must have surprised even the Ivorian.

As he made his way through customs, adoring fans sung the striker’s name, and as he exited the airport building hundreds of supporters surrounded a chauffeured car waiting to take him to his club’s ground.

Drogba has signed a two-and-a-half year contract worth around $300,000 per week with Shanghai Shenhua.