Chelsea FC legend Didier Drogba looks set to return to French club Marseille, 12 years after he last played for them.
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After announcing that he would not be extending his second stint with the Blues, Drogba’s agent Thierno Seydi has indicated that he is more than likely to return to the Ligue 1 outfit, fulfilling a promise he made to Marseille fans when he left in 2004.
He said: ‘Is Didier ready to return to Marseille? I stand by his words, he always kept the door open. Opportunities have already shown in the past, but it had not been possible for various reasons.
‘Today he could contribute his experience, have more playing time and take on that leadership role of the locker room like he had at Chelsea.’
Previously it was thought that the Ivorian would be headed to the MLS to potentially hook-up with Frank Lampard in New York. However, while these comments contradict this, Drogba’s wage demands may mean that Marseille won’t be able to afford him. In fact, the Evening Standard reports that his former club are ‘yet to make a move’ for this reason.
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Drogba was only at Marseille for one season (2003-04) after moving from Guingamp for £3.3 million. Although his stay was brief, it was certainly significant. The striker hit the back of the net 32 times in 55 appearances during that campaign, leading to Chelsea coughing up a then club record £24 million to bring him to Stamford Bridge.
After scoring 155 goals in eight seasons during his first stint in West London, Drogba returned to the club last summer on a one-year deal. However, both parties decided that it would be best for the 37 year old to seek more playing time elsewhere. He is, though, apparently not short of options.
‘Since Sunday, a lot of clubs have told us of their interest. We will take time for reflection,’ Seydi added.
Meanwhile, Chelsea fans who fear that Drogba may never be seen at the Bridge again should rest easy. Speaking to the press during the team’s victory parade, it seems as though a deal for him to eventually take up a non-playing role has already been sorted: ‘I spoke with José Mourinho and the board and, all of us, we found an agreement.’
While he won’t be lining up in a Blue shirt on the pitch next season, it shouldn’t be long before we see him taking a seat on the bench in his matching tracksuits.
Until then, Didier.
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