Didier Drogba plans to hang up his boots in 2018

Former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has revealed that he could call quits on his playing career at the end of the season. The 39-year-old is currently plying his trade for United Soccer League side Phoenix Rising, whom he joined in April of this year.

Drogba has already amassed 10 goals in just 14 outings for the American outfit, and this has taken his overall career total to 296 goals in 677 matches. In an interview with RMC Sport, Drogba was asked about his future where he opened up his plans for retirement next year. He said: “Ah, do you want a scoop? I think next year will be my last season. At some point, you have to stop. I need to have time for my other projects. It’s good to play, but at 39, it holds me back a bit.”
Continue reading “Didier Drogba plans to hang up his boots in 2018”

Chelsea trio can emulate Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard and John Terry

Former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin believes his former club are heading in the right direction following their 1-0 triumph over Manchester United on Sunday afternoon. The Blues had come off a gruelling 3-0 defeat at the hands of AS Roma, but they managed to overcome any nervousness to clinch a solid win over Jose Mourinho’s men.

The Premier League holders could have easily doubled their lead on the day, but Antonio Conte will have been pleased with a solid performance against a direct league rival. In the aftermath of the game, Nevin believes the likes of Alvaro Morata, N’Golo Kante and Andreas Christensen could emulate the core reminiscent of the period where Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard and John Terry worked together.
Continue reading “Chelsea trio can emulate Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard and John Terry”

Alvaro Morata can emulate Didier Drogba’s efforts – Shaun Wright-Phillips

Former Chelsea forward Shaun Wright-Phillips believes Alvaro Morata has the potential to emulate the showing of Blues favourite Didier Drogba.


The Spain international joined the Blues from Real Madrid during last summer’s transfer window, and he has since scored seven goals in just eight outings for the club.

Speaking exclusively to 888Sport, Wright-Philips was full of praise for Morata, who he feels is doing the right things in his early Chelsea career, he said: “I wouldn’t say that Morata is in Didier’s space now but if he keeps scoring and running in behind and creating chances for others then he’s heading in that direction because he does the same things that Didier did. He runs into channels, he creates chances, and he finishes.”

Earlier in the summer, there were question marks over who could replace Diego Costa efficiently in the Blues’ ranks, and Morata has not disappointed with his consistent showing in the top-flight. The two-time Champions League winner initially started with a series of headed goals for the Blues, but he has since levelled things with a hat-trick against Stoke City using his feet. Continue reading “Alvaro Morata can emulate Didier Drogba’s efforts – Shaun Wright-Phillips”

Serge Aurier thanks Didier Drogba for channelling his career on the right path

Tottenham Hotspur’s summer signing Serge Aurier has thanked Ivory Coast legend Didier Drogba for the piece of advice offered last year.


The right-back has had plenty of controversies on and off the field, but he still managed to attain a work permit to secure his Premier League move.

Aurier was never out of controversy during his time at Parc des Princes with former boss Laurent Blanc temporarily suspending the right-back due to foul language used on social media. Last season, he was charged with a criminal offense after he assaulted a police officer outside of a Paris nightclub, who had asked him for a breath test.

Late last year, Drogba told French broadcaster RTL that Aurier needed to become aware of the situation in order to realise what he represents now. Aurier has since taken the advice publicly after admitting that he was in the wrong over his behaviour. Continue reading “Serge Aurier thanks Didier Drogba for channelling his career on the right path”

LUKAKU STRAYS AWAY FROM THE DROGBA COMPARISON

Manchester United striker RomeluLukaku has rejected the comparison to former Chelsea talisman Didier Drogba.


The Belgian strayed away from comparisons to the former Jose Mourinho star at the Stamford Bridge. Many alluded that the Portuguese manager wanted Lukaku for sharing similar qualities with the Ivorian who helped Mourinho succeed at Chelsea.

“I am different,” Lukalu emphasized.

“Drogba is more of a target man, I am a player that has the ball into feet, who runs in behind. There are physical similarities but we are totally different players,” the former Toffees striker explained.

Lukaku is expected to lead the attack line at Old Trafford while Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial support him. There are reports that the deal for Ivan Perisic could be completed in the following days. The Croatian is believed to be keen on the deal but his employers Inter Milan want him to remain at the Italian capital. Continue reading “LUKAKU STRAYS AWAY FROM THE DROGBA COMPARISON”

Drogba’s Phoenix Rising had to settle with a draw against Real Monarchs

 On June 24 of 2017, Phoenix Rising locked horns with the table toppers Real Monarchs for a United Soccer League match which concluded in a 1-1 draw.


This encounter was extremely hyped up as the team that is co-owned by Didier Drogba had to face off with a squad that has been going through an impressive form in the top section of the standings.

The 1st goal of the match was scored at the 12th minute through Daniel Haber as he gave Real Monarchs an early lead but Omar Bravo tied it up at the 45th mark and the scoreboard remained the same throughout the remainder of the match. Continue reading “Drogba’s Phoenix Rising had to settle with a draw against Real Monarchs”

Ray Wilkins Doubts if Romelu Lukaku can replicate Didier Drogba at Chelsea

Chelsea hero Ray Wilkins does not believe that Romelu Lukaku has the credentials to fill the void left by Blues legend Didier Drogba.


The Premier League holders are on the search for a new marksman this summer with Diego Costa likely to be shown the exit door.Costa, 28, had earned comparisons to Drogba due to his physique and sharp shooting skills, but his time at Stamford Bridge looks to be over after manager Antonio Conte sent him a series of text messages to suggest that he has no future in west London.

With Costa likely to depart, Lukaku has emerged as a potential option to bolster the striking department with Conte being a huge admirer of the player’s talents. Lukaku was the second-highest scorer in the Premier League with 25 goals, and he is now eyeing a new club, where he would have the opportunity of clinching some silverware. Continue reading “Ray Wilkins Doubts if Romelu Lukaku can replicate Didier Drogba at Chelsea”

TOP TEN AFRICAN FOOTBALL TRANSFER COSTS

Liverpool recently broke their record to sign Mohammed Salah from AS Roma for £39 million.


The Egyptian’s deal becomes one of the most expensive for an African in football history. The deal would likely break through the £40 million barrier when performance-related bonuses are added. Roma say they received £36.9 million in initial fee but more would come in with time. This figure could reach around £5-7 million – making Salah undoubtedly the most expensive African player in history.

Salah’s deal surpasses that of Sadio Mane, who moved from Saint Mary to Anfield for £34 million last summer. Mane has been impressive for the Reds, so many would be hoping that Salah can replicate or exceed such.

Eric Bailly’s move to Old Trafford cost £30 million as Jose Mourinho wanted the Ivory Coast international last summer. He is the third most expensive soccer star.

Leicester City’s Islam Slimani and Wilfried Bony are joint fourth for £28 million. Man City paid that much for the Ivorian but he failed to match expectations and had to leave the Etihad. Slimani only joined recently. Continue reading “TOP TEN AFRICAN FOOTBALL TRANSFER COSTS”

Didier Drogba’s journey with Phoenix Rising is just starting

Didier Drogba is 39 years old and the Ivorian footballer is not only an active player but has also managed to continue breaking records but only this time around outside of the actual pitch.


The iconic figure of Chelsea has recently turned into a part owner, part player and club ambassador of the United Soccer League club Phoenix Rising FC.

Phoenix Rising FC is attempting to earn a promotion spot into the MLS but have so far struggled trying to secure points on a consistent basis as they are positioned at the 12th spot after 9 matches played.

Upon having officially joined Phoenix Rising FC, Didier Drogba voiced his thoughts concerning this new chapter in his life as the veteran player said:

“Together, Phoenix is going to be in the MLS. This is the beginning of an amazing journey. This is the beginning of something very important for me and I hope we are going to be together for a long time. We’re going to win a lot of games here’’ Continue reading “Didier Drogba’s journey with Phoenix Rising is just starting”

Didier Drogba is confident on Phoenix FC

Didier Drogba is confident that Phoenix FC will develop very, very quickly as a club in the coming years.


At present, Phoenix is in tier two, but, they are one of the strong contenders to earn a promotion to the Major League Soccer in 2018 or 19 and they have done their chances no harm by adding Drogba to their ranks.

Drogba is the biggest player that Phoenix has signed so far in terms of stature and experience. They want the Ivorian legend to be the chief promoter of the team’s MLS bid.

Drogba has been roped in by Phoenix not only for his playing services. He has actually been given a minor stake in the club and he is effectively a part of the ownership group which has the possession of the club.

It’s probably the first instance in the soccer history that someone who has a stake in the club will represent the club on the pitch as a player and Drogba seems to be pretty thrilled about it.

The 39-year old is, however, not expected to play for a great length of time for Phoenix. It is believed that he will feature in a few games in the on-going season and then will concentrate fully on his ownership duties only.
But it doesn’t matter really whether he plays or not, he will surely be phoenix’s identity when they start their campaign in Major League Soccer

Drogba had many propositions on his platter at the start of this year. He could have gone to Chelsea as a coach or could have gone to the big money leagues of Middle-East as a player, but, he decided to reject everything and try his hand as an owner when that opportunity came from Phoenix.