Drogba announces retirement from football at end of the season

Former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has announced that he will retire from football at the end of the season.

The 39-year-old frontman, who is currently playing for Phoenix Rising in America’s USL, revealed this season will be his last as a professional footballer.

Drogba told RMC Sport: “Ah, do you want a scoop? I think next year will be my last season. At some point you have to stop. I need to have time for my other projects.”

The Ivorian made his name as a talismanic striker at Stamford Bridge, claiming 12 major trophies in a stunning nineyear stint for the west London club.

The former Blues marksman scored 164 goals in 381 games during a hugely successful period for the club.

While spearheading Chelsea’s potent front-line, he gained a reputation as one of the most powerful and dynamic strikers to ply his trade in England.

He won four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups and one Champions League across two spells at the club.

Following his incredible stint at Stamford Bridge, the former Ivory Coast international enjoyed spells at Shanghai Shenua, Galatasaray and Monreal Impact before arriving in Phoenix.

He did, however, return to his former haunt for a swansong season in 2014-15, where he picked up the Premier League and League Cup trophies in his final season in England.

Drogba holds the record for the most goals scored — 57 in 82 games — for the Ivory Coast, but it is his impact in English football for which he will be most fondly remembered.

Drogba has been playing for Phoenix since April and has netted 10 times in his 14 appearances.