Drogba officially announces his retirement

Friday Nov 23, 2018. 14:00

Didier Drogba has officially confirmed his retirement from playing, bringing an end to a career spanning two decades.

The 40-year-old spent his last 18 months as a professional playing for Phoenix Rising, a club he co-owns. It was expected that Drogba played his final game earlier this month in a 1-0 defeat to Louisville City in the final of the United States' second tier and he has now confirmed that he has hung up his boots.

Drogba enjoyed a distinguished playing career and will be best remembered for his time at English Premier League club Chelsea.

The Ivory Coast international, who scored 164 goals in 381 games for the Blues, won four league titles with the London club and also netted the decisive penalty as they won the 2012 UEFA Champions League in Munich.

"After 20 years, I have decided to put an end to my playing career," he told BBC World Service's Sportshour.

"It's the best way to end, helping some young talent to develop," he said.

"To give something back to the game was the best way to finish as I have learned so much in the game."

Drogba was also capped 105 times by the Ivory Coast, scoring 65 goals and playing in three FIFA World Cups. He was also named African Footballer of the Year on two occasions.

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