Turkish club Galatasaray have reached a deal to sign former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba from Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua, the club confirmed on their website on Monday.

It said that Drogba had agreed an 18-month deal.

The 34-year-old is playing for his country Cote d'Ivoire at the Africa Cup of Nations.

The BBC said that Drogba has said via his representatives on Twitter, "I am looking forward to playing in the Champions League again."

Galatasaray are through to the last 16 of the competition, where they face German side FC Schalke 04.

"The opportunity to play for this great club was an offer that I could not turn down," added Drogba.

His representatives said he would join up with the Turkish side once the Africa Cup of Nations was over.

The former Chelsea striker joined Shanghai Shenhua in June and scored eight goals in 11 appearances.