Dididier Drogba’s international career spans over 10 years and during that time the Ivorian attacker has racked up a total of 65 goals but the former Galatasaray player has announced his decision to retire playing at the international stage at his 36 years of age.
“It is with much sadness that I have decided to retire from international football. I am very proud to have been captain of this team for eight years and to have contributed to placing my country on the world stage of football, taking part in three World Cups and two African Cup of Nations finals. I cannot convey enough thanks to the fans for all the love and support during these years. All my goals, all my caps, all our victories are for you’’ Drogba said as he confirmed his decision to retire from representing his country.
The veteran forward will focus on playing the remaining few years of his professional career at Stamford Bridge as he made his return to Chelsea where he will be playing and working alongside the Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho.
Diego Costa, Fernando Torres, Andre Schurrle, Cesc Fabregas, Oscar, Eden Hazard, are some of the more prominent attacking players that Jose Mourinho has at his disposal for the next season of the Premier League and it came as a surprise to many people when rumors started circulating which linked Didier Drogba with a return to Stamford Bridge but it was ultimately confirmed that instead of turning into a regular player, Drogba will be a player-manager. This is a similar case with what happened and still is occurring with Ryan Giggs and Manchester United.
Drogba will essentially be helping out Mourinho in the locker room acting as a role model as well as in the tactical decisions of the Portuguese manager during matches with the possibility of entering a match whenever it may be needed as a substitute or maybe even a regular player if his teammates are injured or suspended.