MX23RW : Friday, October 4 05:26:35| >> :120:29006:29006:

Chelsea legend Didier Drogba to push ahead with retirement plans

Drogba to push ahead with retirement plans
© Offside
Phoenix Rising striker Didier Drogba confirms that he will bring an end to his playing career later this year at the age of 40.

Chelsea legend Didier Drogba has reiterated that he intends to bring an end to his career at the close of the United Soccer League season.

The former Marseille and Shanghai Shenhua striker, who turned 40 at the weekend, will see out his playing days with American side Phoenix Rising.

Drogba outlined his desire to retire last November and, four months on, the ex-Ivory Coast international will push ahead with those plans.

"It's really a pleasure for me to play," he 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."

Drogba featured 381 times for Chelsea during his two spells at Stamford Bridge, winning four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three EFL Cups and one Champions League.

ID:320734: cacheID:320734:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:1779:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Chelseas Ivorian striker Didier Drogba is pictured during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Leicester City at Stamford Bridge in London on August 23, 2014
Read Next:
Didier Drogba to retire at end of season
>
Read more about Didier Drogba Football
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
1.15am
Buccaneers
@
Falcons
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool65011221015
2Manchester CityMan City6420146814
3Arsenal6420125714
4Chelsea6411157813
5Aston Villa6411129313
6Fulham632185311
7Newcastle UnitedNewcastle632187111
8Tottenham HotspurSpurs6312125710
9Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton623110829
10Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest62316519
11Bournemouth622289-18
12Brentford6213810-27
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd621358-37
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham6123610-45
15Ipswich TownIpswich6042510-54
16Everton6114715-84
17Leicester CityLeicester6033812-43
18Crystal Palace603359-43
19Southampton6015312-91
20Wolverhampton WanderersWolves6015616-101


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!