Former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has received an official offer from the MLS, Sky sources claim.
According to Sky Sports, Major League Soccer outfit Chicago Fire have submitted an offer for the former Ivory Costa international – with the striker still yet to decide his future two months after leaving Stamford Bridge for the second time in his career [via the Daily Mail].
The Blues re-signed Drogba on a one-year deal last July [via BBC Sport]; however, the 37-year-old opted against extending his deal, citing his desire to increase his playing time next season as the key reason behind his exit:
“I spoke with Jose (Mourinho) and the board and we found an agreement,” as quoted by the Daily Mail. “Next year I want to have more minutes than I am having now, I just want to play and finish on a high, saying that I gave everything and I can’t give anymore.
“This year I didn’t have that feeling. In fact, I felt I could still play, and I still want to enjoy it before I stop. So, for me to stay here (at Chelsea) and to finish with frustration, no. That is not possible, so we all agree and understand what is good for all of us.”
The west London icon made just eight Premier League starts in Chelsea’s title-winning campaign last term, but goals against Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur may have left the centre-forward feeling he still has much to offer on the pitch.
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Sky Sports believe that Drogba wishes to play one more campaign of football before announcing his retirement in a year’s time.
As well as allegedly having an offer from Chicago Fire to assess, L’Equipe have claimed that another MLS side, Montreal Impact, are also interested in his signature.
With Kaka, David Villa, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Andrea Pirlo currently gracing the MLS, the US league is certainly becoming a hotspot for the finest talent in the latter stages of their career – and Drogba could yet add to the excitement in the States.
However, the American duo could face competition from Inter Milan, with the former Marseille star revealing that he would listen to an offer from Roberto Mancini [via talkSPORT].