Chelsea legend Didier Drogba clarifies rumours about his retirement
Former Chelsea striker and club legend Didier Drogba has dismissed rumours about his retirement from football to pursue a coaching role under Guus Hiddink at Chelsea. Earlier a report in French newspaper L'Equipe claimed Drogba had confirmed his retirement and that he will be joining the Blues before their Champions League tie against PSG in February. However, the former Ivory Coast international has now confirmed on Twitter that he has not yet decided his future plans.
Lovely to receive these messages but I have not yet announced my retirement & am still in discussion with @impactmontreal about my future.
— Didier Drogba (@didierdrogba) January 6, 2016
Drogba signed for Montreal Impact last summer after a successful second spell at Chelsea where he won the Capital One Cup and the Premier League title. Although he is currently under contract with the Canadian professional soccer team, the Ivorian has been constantly linked with a return to Chelsea after the appointment of Hiddink. Recently, he was spotted alongside Hiddink and Roman Abramovich in the stands during Chelsea’s 3-1 recent win over Sunderland.
The 37-year-old has scored 12 goals in 14 games for Impact this season and is considered as a key player at the club. It is quite obvious that they wouldn’t want to let go of their talisman before the end of his contract.
Chelsea desperate to bring back Drogba
Even though Chelsea declined to comment on the report made by a French daily on Wednesday, it is clearly evident that the club is interested in bringing him back to act as a mentor for the misfiring players this season. Abramovich shares a close relationship with the striker and will be ready to offer him a role in a move to win back the dressing room.
Earlier this week, Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois had commented on the situation, “I had a very good relationship with him 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.”
The former Ivory Coast striker enjoyed an illustrious playing career across two spells at Chelsea winning four Premier League titles, four FA Cups and the Champions League in 2012. Drogba has also scored 164 goals in 381 appearances across all competitions in a glittering career for the Blues.