Didier Drogba announce retirement from professional football
Chelsea legend Didier Drogba has confirmed his retirement from playing, ending "an amazing 20 years". The 40-year old Ivory Coast striker had two spells at Chelsea, scoring 164 goals in 381 games, winning four Premier Leagues and the 2012 Champions League. He spent the last 18 months of his career with US side Phoenix Rising, the club he co-owns. "After 20 years, I have decided to put an end to my playing career," he told BBC World Service's Sportshour. It had been expected Drogba would retire after the United Soccer League Cup final earlier this month, with his last game a 1-0 defeat by Louisville City in the final of the United States' second tier. "It's the best way to end, helping some young talent to develop. To give something back to the game was the best way to finish as I have learned so much in the game." Drogba did not play top-flight football until the age of 23, when French side Guingamp signed him from Ligue 2 Le Mans in January...