Chelsea FC’s Didier Drogba Rules Out Marseille Move
Chelsea FC’s legendary striker Didier Drogba has ruled out another dramatic return to one of his former clubs as he has squashed reports that he will be heading back to Olympique de Marseille this summer. There were reports earlier this summer that Drogba was interested in making a move there and the interest was mutual from the French club.
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Drogba spent just one season at Marseille but became a legendary figure quickly as he scored 32 goals in 55 appearances as he lead the club to a UEFA Cup Final in 2004. The Ivorian is still a beloved figure there and his shirt is framed and hanging in the club’s basilica to this day. While the club may have a special place in his heart, the nostalgia was not enough for him to consider a return back.
The striker said of a move there, as quoted by ESPN FC, “It’s not a question of money. I like to have a project. And Marseille, which I know well, does not have a project. They have sold their best players, whom they let go till the end of their contracts. I’m talking about Andre Ayew, Andre-Pierre Gignac … and they’ll lose more.”
Drogba continued, “I don’t want to go to Marseille to just play. If I go somewhere, it’s to win, and I want to win. The question has been coming up for 10 years. There have been times when I could have returned, but the timing wasn’t right. And each time my name comes up when it’s time to renew season tickets. I don’t want people to use me for financial purposes.”
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The striker obviously left no room for interpretation as he described why he refused to make a move there. Considering his advanced age of 37 and the limited number of years left in his playing career, it makes sense for Drogba to be as picky as he wants to be before selecting the last team he will play for. He showed last season with Chelsea FC that he is still more than capable of playing at a high level.
He may not be able to do it two or three times a week in the Premier League or Champions League like he used to but perhaps he could still be an impact player in a lesser league. A move to MLS makes the most sense for Drogba, both in the financial and footballing sense as he can play in a competitive league and still be paid handsomely.
He can always go to the Middle East or China again for a big payday but he does not seem interested in going down that route again. Regardless of where he ends up though he will have legions of Chelsea FC, Marseille, and Galatasaray fans rooting him on and watching his every move.
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