The Montreal Impact and Didier Drogba have apparently reconciled their differences, and a partnership that looked like it was heading toward a messy divorce appears to have been salvaged, for now.
Just two days after Drogba skipped Montreal’s derby clash with Toronto FC because he was unhappy with being benched, the Impact and Drogba have reached an agreement that will keep the Ivorian star with the Impact.
“We met with Didier. The situation has been resolved to the club’s satisfaction,” Impact president Joey Saputo said on Tuesday, “Didier has accepted to assume the role that the head coach sees fit while contributing to the success of this club moving forward. When he came to Montreal, Didier said he came here to win, and he still has the same objective.”
According to Impact coach Mauro Biello, Drogba rebelled against his decision to remove Drogba from the starting lineup for Sunday’s key Eastern Conference clash. Drogba responded to the benching by demanding to be taken off the matchday roster entirely, which he was.
The Impact secured a 2-2 draw against Toronto FC without their star and booked their place in the playoffs. After Sunday’s match, Biello made it clear he wanted Drogba to remain a part of the team, and now it appears as though his wish has been granted.
“Our main priority now is to focus on the last game of the season and the upcoming playoffs. With the players and the leadership that we have on this team, we are convinced that we can make a run at the MLS Cup.”
Drogba has not made a statement on the issue, but celebrated the team’s playoff spot on twitter after the match.
What do you think of this development? See the Impact making a run at the MLS Cup title with Drogba coming off the bench? Think we’ve seen the last of Drogba drama?
Share your thoughts below.