Chelsea striker Didier Drogba says he is considering leaving England due to the level of criticism levelled at him for his on-field antics.

The 28-year-old Ivory Coast international moved to Stamford Bridge for £24million two years ago from Marseille and has scored 22 goals in 55 Premiership appearances for the back-to-back champions.

However, he has been slated in the press for alleged diving and feels he might be better off leaving for a fresh challenge, with Lyon hoping to tempt him back to France.

Drogba told The Sun: "It's not a joke. I want to move on and avoid all the pressure and scandals here.

"Those things hurt my feelings. I want a place I can play freely without any drawbacks. You should know what a player goes through with so much pressure.

"I admire AC Milan, but anywhere I go the Champions League will be there waiting for me."