Ivory Coast and Chelsea football star Didier Drogba officially called time on his 20-year career and announced his retirement from international football on Wednesday.
The 40-year-old took to Twitter with the announcement and thanked his fans, teammates, managers and his family for the support.
— Didier Drogba (@didierdrogba) November 21, 2018
The statement reads thus:
“1989 when or where it all started!! When I think of the last 20 years of my professional career, looking at this picture can't make me more proud of what I've achieved as a player but most importantly how this journey as(sic) shaped me as a man. If anyone tells you your dreams are too big, just say thank you and work harder and smarter to turn them into reality. #alwaysbelieve
I wanna thank all the players, managers, teams and fans that I have met and made this journey one of a kind!!! Also a huuuuge thank you and love to my family, my Personal Team for supporting me all my career during all the ups and downs no matter what. Looking forward to the next Chapter and hoping God will Bless me as much as he did for my football career.”
With Chelsea, Drogba made 381 appearances, winning four Premier League titles, four FA Cups and the 2012 Champions League title, and has scored 164 goals.
Drogba is also Ivory Coast's all-time record goalscorer with 65 goals.
Drogba last played for Phoenix Rising in the United Soccer League with his last match ending in a 1-0 loss to Louisville City in the USL Cup final two weeks ago.
