No Chelsea return for Drogba ‘in the short term’

Chelsea legend Didier Drogba

Didier Drogba will not be returning to Chelsea – for the time being at least.

The Ivorian, who turns 38 in March, discussed rejoining the Blues in a coaching role following the recent appointment of Guus Hiddink as interim manager.

However, Hiddink has confirmed that Drogba will be staying with MLS outfit Montreal Impact, although an eventual return to Stamford Bridge is still possible.

Hiddink said: “In the short-term, yes (Drogba is staying at Impact), but in the longer term we talked about players of a big influence or big image for this club, they are welcome.

“There is no time issue on this. I wish him all the best now for one of his last seasons.”

Drogba, who scored a total of 104 Premier League goals during two spells at Chelsea, netted 12 goals in 14 appearances for Impact last season to help them reach the MLS Eastern Conference semi-finals.