Chelsea legend Didier Drogba has announced his retirement from football at the age of 40.
The Ivorian confirmed the news on Thursday, bringing an end to a glittering playing career.
Speaking to BBC World Service’s Sportshour, Drogba discussed his decision, saying it has been a wonderful learning process:
After 20 years, I have decided to put an end to my playing career.
It’s the best way to end, helping some young talent to develop.
To give something back to the game was the best way to finish as I have learned so much in the game.
Drogba is one of Chelsea’s greatest players of all time, having been a key part of the Blues’ great success this century.
He scored 157 goals in 341 appearances, winning the Champions League, four Premier League titles, four FA Cups and three League Cups along the way.
It was Drogba’s penalty that famously clinched Champions League glory back in 2012 – just one of so many great moments produced in a Blues shirt.
The 40-year-old also had spells with Shanghai Shenhua and Galatasaray in between two stints at Chelsea, who he left in 2012 but rejoined two years later.
Drogba finished his playing days at Montreal Impact and Phoenix Rising, before calling it a day.
There have been few better strikers to have graced both the Premier League and African football.
