Didier Drogba Confirms Retirement From Football

The 40-year-old scored 164 goals in 381 appearances over two spells with Chelsea, helping them win the Premier League four times and the Champions League in 2012, as well as four FA Cup triumphs and three League Cup victories.

Drogba had been playing this season in the United States with Phoenix Rising, the second-tier club at which he is a co-owner.

The veteran forward had been expected to hang up his boots following the United Soccer League Cup final defeat by Louisville City earlier this month.

And confirmation arrived on Wednesday evening as Drogba posted a picture of him as a youngster on his social media accounts, accompanied by a farewell message.

He said: ‘When I think of the last 20 years of my professional career, looking at this picture can’t make me more proud of what I’ve achieved as a player but most importantly how this journey has shaped me as a man.

‘If anyone tells you your dreams are too big, just say thank you and work harder and smarter to turn them into reality. #alwaysbelieve

‘I wanna thank all the players, managers, teams and fans that I have met and made this journey one of a kind!!!

‘Also a huuuuge [sic] thank you and love to my family, my personal team for supporting me all my career during the ups and downs no matter what.

‘Looking forward to the next chapter and hoping God will bless me as much as he did for my football career.’