Didier Drogba will remain with MLS outfit Montreal Impact, amidst speculation that he was to return to his former club Chelsea.

The striker, who signed an 18-month deal with Montreal last summer, following the end of his second spell at Chelsea, was the franchise’s top goalscorer last term with 11 strikes.




However, it was reported in December that Drogba was eyeing a role in Chelsea’s coaching staff after a meeting with the Blues’ hierarchy. The Ivorian was also spotted alongside owner Roman Abramovich and interim manager Guus Hiddink in the stands.

Montreal too feared losing Drogba to Chelsea at that time as they admitted that the Ivorian is keen to help the Premier League club.
 


But earlier in the month, the 37-year-old insisted that he is yet to announce his retirement, thereby distancing himself from a return to Stamford Bridge.

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And after discussing with Montreal, Drogba has stated that he is set to join their pre-season training camp in Qatar.

He tweeted: "On way to Qatar to do some preparation work for pre-season."

Drogba has thus far enjoyed two successful spells at Chelsea, for whom he has scored a total of 164 goals.