Yes, he’s still going (for now).
Former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has announced that he will retire from football at the end of the season.
The legendary Ivorian, 40, is currently with MLS side Phoenix Rising but feels it is ‘time’ to hang up his boots, hinting that he may seek to take up a role in management.
“It’s really a pleasure for me to play,” Drogba told Telefoot.
“I started late at the top level. I really enjoy playing – I like my role of owner-player a lot. I’m surrounded by a lot of youngsters, and I like passing my know-how on to them. But this season is the last. I’m 40, it’s time now.”
Happy 40th birthday to Didier Drogba 🎂
Premier League: 🏆🏆🏆🏆
FA Cup: 🏆🏆🏆🏆
League Cup: 🏆🏆🏆
Champions League: 🏆The greatest African player to grace the Premier League? pic.twitter.com/wnFf42yG1s
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 11, 2018
Drogba also hinted that he would be receptive towards the idea of moving into coaching when he retires at the end of the current campaign, hinting that he would relish the opportunity of working at his former club Marseille.
“We’ll have to see what is offered. I’m always ready to help.
“In any case, Marseille are showing good things this year. Rudi Garcia’s project is taking shape, they’re building a team with young players. It’s excellent to stay in the top three with a team like that. As a fan, I have a lot of faith in them.”
Drogba scored over 150 goals for Chelsea over two spells at Stamford Bridge, winning the Premier League four times and also clinching the Champions League in 2012. He also had spells at Galatasaray, Shanghai Shenhua and Montreal Impact.
Happy birthday to 2011/12 #UCL winner Didier Drogba! 🎂🎉 pic.twitter.com/ZSEt8Gb7M8
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) March 11, 2018
