Montreal Impact have won the race to sign former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba, the Major League Soccer franchise have confirmed.
Impact were believed to be wrestling for Drogba’s signature with MLS rivals Chicago Fire, who had initially obtained the 37-year-old’s image rights.
However, Drogba has instead joined the Canadian outfit, with reports suggesting he has put pen to paper on an 18-month deal.
“It’s an honour to welcome Didier Drogba to the Impact,” Montreal’s president Joey Saputo told impactmontreal.com.
“From the first conversation I had with him, I felt that he really wanted to play in Montreal. This is one of the biggest days in club history and his arrival to the club will be beneficial in every aspect.”
“He’s had an impact on millions of people since the start of his career and he will continue to do so wearing the Impact colours,” Montreal’s vice-president Nick De Santis added.
“A player of his magnitude can only help grow our club. He’s been a leader, a winner and a champion throughout his career.”
The Ivorian striker had two spells at Chelsea, but will mainly be remembered for his first stint between 2004-2012, where he scored 157 goals in 341 appearances. In fact, only four players scored more Premier League goals than Drogba during the final three years of his first stint as a Blue (45).
He returned to Stamford Bridge last summer, but was limited to just eight starts before being released at the end of the season.
For more stats on Didier Drogba, click here to visit his WhoScored player page.
