Didier Drogba said he is looking forward to the “beautiful challenge” of finishing his career in Major League Soccer after being presented before hundreds of Montreal Impact fans on Thursday.
The 37-year-old Ivory Coast and former Chelsea striker addressed a crowd of fans at Montreal’s Saputo Stadium, a day after jetting into the Canadian city after wrapping up his MLS move earlier this week.
“I am a man of challenges and there is a beautiful one before me,” Drogba said alongside Impact president Joey Saputo.
Saputo said Drogba was arriving at a great time “for the Impact, the city of Montreal, and the MLS.”
“I’m proud that he decided to pursue his career here, and his arrival will be beneficial at all levels, both on and off the pitch,” Saputo said.
“I just want to say, ‘no pressure’,” Drogba said before an ovation from supporters.
The two-time African Footballer of the Year said he had decided to join Montreal after being impressed by Saputo.
“The president’s speech persuaded me. It was very simple, very warm,” he said.
Drogba revealed he had been surprised by the turnout that marked his arrival at the airport on Wednesday. “I didn’t expect that,” he said.
He said he did not believe his new teammates would treat him like a superstar. “It’s only the way the people look at you,” he said. “In the dressing room all the players are the same.”
Drogba said he sought a move to the MLS because he wanted to play regularly after a farewell season at Chelsea last year where he was used mostly as a squad player.
“I wanted to be out on the pitch more,” he said, explaining his decision to sign an 18-month contract, adding that he still “dreamed of winning trophies.”
The Impact are in a three-way tie for sixth as they bid for a place among the six Eastern Conference teams to make the play-offs but have a game in hand.
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