Former Chelsea star Didier Drogba will bring to end his playing career at the end of his upcoming campaign with Phoenix Rising.
The former Ivory Coast international clocked 40 years on Sunday and also 20 years after he made his professional debut at Le Mans, Drogba told Telefoot he will hang his boots at the end of the campaign.
“It’s really a pleasure for me to play,” he said. “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’s son, Isaac, joined Guingamp’s youth academy in February, but his father still hopes to return to another of his former clubs, Marseille, but in a non-playing role this time.
After American businessman Frank McCourt bought the club, Marseille are now attempting to return to the prominent place they were in France in the 1990s.
Marseille are currently third in the table and doing well in the Europa League, and Drogba could be part of McCourt’s plan if offered.
“We’ll have to see what is offered. I’m always ready to help,” said Drogba.
“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.”
