MLS hopeful Didier Drogba will snub Chelsea return and remain with Montreal Impact

No return: MLS commissioner Garber is confident he can keep hold of Drogba
FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images
Simon Johnson15 January 2016

MLS commissioner Don Garber remains hopeful that Didier Drogba will see out his deal with Montreal Impact and not return to Chelsea just yet.

Chelsea want Drogba to join Guus Hiddink's coaching staff as soon as possible, but the former Ivory Coast international is contracted to play another season in the MLS.

It is the MLS, not Montreal, that hold the rights to Drogba and they are demanding compensation if he departs prematurely.

Last week, it was reported in France that Drogba had decided to retire instead so that he could go back to Stamford Bridge.

The Chelsea legend responded on twitter saying: "I have not yet announced my retirement and am still in discussion with Montreal about my future."

The MLS season starts in March, however Montreal's pre-season begins on January 26th.

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Significantly, Garber said: "Everyone is entitled to end their career when they're ready to, but he is under contract and we’re hopeful he’s back in uniform and ready to play.

"The most recent discussion, as you saw on Twitter, is that he hasn’t decided to retire, but it’s an ongoing situation and I just don’t have an update right now.

"Didier was just incredibly exciting and did a lot of great things for the Impact (last season). He brought some excitement to the League and I’m sure fans in Montreal will never forget that."

Drogba is currently still in the UK and was spotted at Chelsea's 2-2 draw with West Brom in midweek. Last night, he was at the 02 Arena to watch an NBA game between Orlando Magic and Toronto Raptors.

The 37-year-old made a huge impression in Montreal after scoring 12 goals in 14 appearances after leaving Chelsea at the end of last season.

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