Could it really be the case that after dazzling MLS for less than half a season Didier Drogba is set to return to Chelsea?
According to the Montreal Impact, the answer is not in their control.
After being spotted with Blues owner Roman Abramovich and interim manager Guus Hiddink at Saturday’s English Premier League win over Sunderland, the heat has been turned up on discussions between the Ivorian’s current and former clubs.
Last Friday, Abramovich confirmed that he would like to bring the Chelsea legend back to Stamford Bridge, and today Hiddink reiterated that same sentiment. The Telegraph stated that the reigning Premier League champions are looking for Drogba’s return to come as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, the Impact confirmed on Twitter that discussions are being held with Chelsea over his future in MLS.
We are currently in contact with Didier Drogba and Chelsea FC. We are doing everything we can to have him back with the Impact in 2016.#IMFC
— CF Montréal (@clubdefootmtl) December 23, 2015
We understand his attachment to his former club and his desire to help them. We are willing to accommodate him. #IMFC
— CF Montréal (@clubdefootmtl) December 23, 2015
But our objective is to have him back for another season, as agreed in his contract. This situation is out of our control. #IMFC
— CF Montréal (@clubdefootmtl) December 23, 2015
We would like to thank our supporters for their understanding and their patience. #IMFC
— CF Montréal (@clubdefootmtl) December 23, 2015
While it remains unclear as to whether or not Drogba is ready to hang up his boots and assume a role on the technical side of things, there’s no question that Chelsea will always hold a special place in his heart.
The Ivorian spent two separate stints with the London side, first joining the club in 2004 after putting himself on the map in the ranks of French soccer. In all, Drogba scored an astounding 164 goals for the Blues, ranking him fourth in club history.
In 11 matches last season for Montreal, Drogba tallied as many goals and quickly established himself as one of MLS’ top forwards. The Impact were defeated by eventual MLS Cup runner-up Columbus Crew SC in the postseason. A move away from Canada would be a major blow for a club that accomplished so much in 2015, including a trip to the CONCACAF Champions League final.
Will Drogba be back in MLS next year? What do you think of the Impact’s comments?
Share your thoughts below.
Another “mlser” making a run for hills.
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Run Didier, run, and don’t turn back. If u look them in the eyes you might get bewitched by the charlatans.
You cannot stop a player from retiring. If he does, you do not owe him the balance of the contract. You can also void some or all of his bonus if he retires as well – depending on the contract. Chelsea won’t be responsible for anything after that.
Hopefully the contract is well written where Montreal will be well compensated, if he leaves.
hope you all got out and saw him play while he was here. an incredible treat for American fans. thanks MLS
The face of Drogba is the same expression every time I see MLS screw something up with league transactions, contract stipulations or negotiations with other leagues.
What a joke.
Ryan Nelson did the same thing in the opposite direction when he decided to retire from QPR as a player and come over and coach TFC. QPR said they supported him but he was holding their defense together and I am not sure they could have stopped him if they wanted to. It is an interesting question if Drogba’s contract can stop him from retiring from playing.
Wouldn’t be surprised if there was some funky Chelsea clause that allowed him to go on extended loan back or something.. Impact signing it figuring there’s no way it’d be in play.
But do like the idea, at least better, if it included some players coming back this way.
Chelsea has over 30 players out on loan. Maybe they could let the MLS have 10 of them for a couple of years.
This is bush league – This situation is out of our control. – pretty sure it is in their control but I’d have to see the contract.
I don’t know what happens to his contract if he decided to retire from playing. If says he is retiring and doesn’t play again can a athletes contract stop them from doing that?