How Montreal Impact actually signed Didier Drogba from Chicago Fire
Canadian club, Montreal Impact have acquired the services of the Ivory Coast and former Chelsea legend Didier Drogba, their club website announced on Monday. The striker will join the club after receiving his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and his Canadian work permit following a trade with the Chicago Fire, in return for general and targeted allocation money, their club website stated.
“It’s an honour to welcome Didier Drogba to the Impact,” said club President Joey Saputo. “From the first conversation I had with him, I felt that he really wanted to play in Montreal. This is one of the biggest days in club history and his arrival to the club will be beneficial in every aspect.”
Vice-President, International Relations & Technical Development Nick De Santis also added his insight into the value of the MLS club signing a player of Drogba’s experience and calibre, he said: “He’s had an impact on millions of people since the start of his career and he will continue to do so wearing the Impact colours.
“A player of his magnitude can only help grow our club. He’s been a leader, a winner and a champion throughout his career.”
His qualities and potential to influence football in the MLS are appreciated at the club according to Technical Director Adam Braz. He told the club website: “We are very excited and thrilled to add to our roster a player with an exceptional career.
“He’s demonstrated his qualities as a striker at the highest level in Europe. His instinct in front of the goal, his experience and his leadership are all attributes that will help the team on the field.”
The Ivorian striker was the winner of the Golden Boot in the Premier League twice in 2006-07 and 2009-10, and will be meshed in Chelsea’s history forever after having scored the winning penalty against Bayern Munich in 2012 UEFA Champions League Finals in Munich. Still 37, Didier Drogba is ranked all time 4th in English Premier League goalscoring charts with 164 goals.
Impact traded Drogba’s MLS rights from Chicago Fire for $100,000
According to ESPN-FC, the striker will sign an 18-month contract in excess of $3 million per year but the former Chelsea forward is yet to put pen to paper. The deal is conditional of Drogba signing the contract papers.
Chicago Fire had initially obtained the rights to the player by filling a Discovery Claim and pursued the player over a month. Soon Impact came into the fray and the Ivorian reportedly chose Montreal over the Windy City.
After the Ivory Coast captain made it clear that he wished to join Montreal Impact, Chicago traded his rights in exchange for the general and targeted allocation money, which is in the region of $100,000 according to ESPN-FC.