Chelsea legend Drogba announces retirement at 40

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Ivorian legend Didier Drogba, who played football in France, England, China, Turkey and the United States, has announced his retirement.

Drogba, who ended his 20-year career at Phoenix Rising, had two spells at Chelsea, scoring 164 goals in 381 games, making his name spearheading the west London club's revival under owner Roman Abramovich.

He won four Premier League titles and the 2012 Champions League.

The 40-year-old began his career at French side Le Mans in 1998, but did not play top-tier football until he was 23 when he was signed by Guingamp in 2002.

He moved to Olympique de Marseille in 2003 and a year later was signed by Chelsea where he became the attacking focal point of the team under Jose Mourinho and helped the club win their first top-flight English title in 50 years.

Didier Drogba has won four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups and the Champions League with Chelsea. /VCG Photo

He went on to win three Premier League titles in his first eight years at Chelsea as well as four FA Cups and two League Cups.

His first spell in west London ended on a high as he scored the winning penalty in the Champions League final shootout against Bayern Munich having also equalized with a thumping header to force extra time.

He had spells in China and Turkey before returning to Chelsea where he won a fourth Premier League title and a third League Cup, leaving the club as their fourth highest scorer of all time.

Drogba spent six months with Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua. /VCG Photo

Drogba, who made than 100 appearances for the Ivory Coast and was voted African footballer of the year twice, ended his playing days at Phoenix where he was a player-owner.

“After an amazing 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,” Drogba told the BBC on Wednesday after revealing his decision.

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

Source(s): Reuters