Didier Drogba’s future has been the subject of speculation in recent weeks, with reports linking him to a return to Chelsea as part of Guus Hiddink’s backroom staff. But for now, the Ivorian striker is expected to continue his adventure in Major League Soccer with the Montreal Impact.
The 37-year-old, who joined Montreal last year and helped guide the Canadian side to the play-offs for the first time in their history, remains under contract with the club for one more season. His potential departure would have required terminating his deal with the Impact — something that club president Joey Saputo insists is not on the agenda.
“It was important that he return,” Saputo told reporters on Monday evening. “We did not cause this situation, and we did what was necessary to have him back with us. He did not make any new requests.”
Drogba’s name had been widely mentioned in London as Chelsea explored the idea of him joining Hiddink’s staff in a coaching capacity. His legendary status at Stamford Bridge, where he scored more than 100 goals and won four Premier League titles along with the 2012 Champions League, made him a natural candidate. But the Impact believe he still has a vital role to play in MLS.
With **12 goals in 14 matches last season**, Drogba showed he could still deliver at the highest level, transforming Montreal’s attack almost overnight. Saputo says he expects the same professionalism and intensity from the former Marseille and Galatasaray striker this season.
“I expect to find him with a good state of mind, that of the professional that he is,” the president added. “I don’t have the impression that he’s coming back because he feels obliged to. There have been no amendments to his contract, nor any additional clauses. He hasn’t made any new requests.”
For now, the speculation over Drogba’s coaching future appears to be on hold. His immediate task is clear: to replicate the form that made him one of MLS’s standout performers in 2015 and lead Montreal to another successful campaign.
