According to a report from The Guardian, Chelsea legend Didier Drogba could be set to follow Frank Lampard to the United States for a stint in Major League Soccer before returning to Stamford Bridge in a non-playing role with the club.
Drogba, who returned to West London for one year following his 2012 departure and helped the Blues to Premier League and Capital One Cup titles in 2014-15, has scored 164 goals for Chelsea in his nine years with the club over two terms, including a seven-goal, two-assist contribution in all competitions this season. Now 37 years old, Drogba believes he has at least one more season left in the tank as a player, and could look to follow in the footsteps of former Premier League stars such as David Beckham, Thierry Henry, Steven Gerrard and Lampard by trying his hand in MLS.
“I spoke with José Mourinho and the board and, all of us, we found an agreement,” said Drogba.
“Next year I want to have more minutes than I am having now. I just want to play, you know, and finish maybe on a high saying that ‘I gave everything and I can’t do that any more.’ This year I didn’t have that feeling. In fact, I felt I could still play and I still want to enjoy it before I stop. So for me to stay here and to finish with frustration, that would not have been possible. So we all agreed and understood what is good for all of us. “I played enough games to give a contribution to win the league, and that is the most important thing. I’m a bit frustrated because you want to play more, even play every game, but it is not possible. But, to be honest, when I see all the players we have in this squad I feel happy that I gave a good contribution. The team needs to be stronger next year to compete in the Champions League, and they are going to buy new players. We also have young players coming up, the likes of Dominic Solanke, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Nathan Ake, all these boys. They need to play. Not that I am not a competitor, but I think it’s time to give them a chance.”
When asked specifically about whether or not he would consider the possibility of joining up with an American club, Drogba said yes, but he won’t be making the decision without some time to contemplate.
“Yes, of course [MLS is an option], but I am going to take a few days, a few weeks, to think about what is good for me next. But all I want to do is play. Since I put it on social media [that he was to leave Chelsea] I have received some calls from other teams. Really unusual. But it was funny and interesting also because it really showed that, maybe, I can still bring something to a team.”
Drogba’s Chelsea career has been highly decorated, with the Ivorian playing a large role in four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups and the all-important UEFA Champions League triumph in 2012. While he no longer has the legs to consistently go 90 minutes and attack defenders at pace the way he used to, Drogba remains physically imposing, and his hold-up play and strong finishing would still be very attractive for many clubs, especially one at the MLS level.
