Didier Drogba was one of the greatest strikers in Chelsea history, winning multiple titles and countless individual accolades during a nine-year career with the club. He spent the summer of 2015 playing football in North America for the MLS outfit Montreal Impact. Now, however, Drogba appears ready to return to Stamford Bridge once again.
According to the Daily Star, Drogba has informed the Canadian club that he has retired from football and joined the Chelsea coaching staff. The Blues legend played for the club last season, making 40 appearances and scoring seven goals in all competitions en route to Premier League and League Cup titles.
Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink, who coached Drogba briefly as interim manager several years ago, said prior to the decision that he would welcome the Ivory Coast international back to the club in a coaching role.
“A few days ago before the Sunderland game I said that those rare kind of former players with this status would be very good for any club to have,” Hiddink said.
“Especially him because he’s a Chelsea legend, but for the moment we have to respect his contract with Montreal.
“It depends on the player himself, you need to give them time and opportunities to find out what the best is for them.
“It may be on the coaching staff or maybe as an ambassador, but that is too official and functional for me. They need to go into the squad and help players with their experience.”
Drogba owns numerous Chelsea scoring records, earning the Premier League Golden Boot in 2007 and 2010. During the 2009-10 season he set a club record for league goals with 29.
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