After an illustrious career filled with remarkable goals, a reputation for being one of the best big-game players in the sport and showing off impressive dance moves, Didier Drogba has reportedly retired from the game of soccer, according to French site L’Equipe.
L’Equipe reports Drogba will be behind the bench when Chelsea plays PSG in the Champions League on February 16, but as a coach, not a player. New Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink wanted Drogba as an assistant, but Drogba was still under contract with the Montreal Impact until December of 2016, and the Impact reportedly wanted an expensive fee from Chelsea to break the contract. It’s unclear how the impasse will be resolved between the two clubs.
Drogba is Chelsea’s fourth all-time leading scorer with 169 goals in all competitions, and has won 14 trophies in nine seasons at Stamford Bridge. He’s the all-time leading African Champions League scorer with 44 goals, the all-time leading scorer for the Ivory Coast with 65 goals, and was voted Chelsea’s best ever by supporters in a Chelsea fanzine in 2012.
Drogba also won three trophies in one season with Turkish giants Galatasaray, and scored 12 goals in 14 appearances with the Montreal Impact this past season, which was tied for the team lead. The Impact tried desperately to keep their star whose mere presence spiked attendance and increased TV ratings for the Impact in Montreal. He was also a finalist for MLS’ Newcomer of the Year Award despite playing in only 11 regular season games.
Chelsea’s current keeper Thibaut Courtois hopes that Drogba returns to the Stamford Bridge dugout.
“I had a very good relationship with [Drogba] last year. He was great for the dressing room and our team. If he comes back as a coach it will be a great addition to all the team.”
Whatever the gain is for Chelsea, the loss of one of the games most revered, admired and feared strikers is one that will resonate for a long time.
A bientôt, Didier.
[L’Equipe]