Finally, curtains have fallen on the career of Ivorian star and Chelsea legend Didier Drogba as he finally bid farewell to the game of football as his side lost 1-0 to Louisville City in the USL Cup final, in his final game.
Though it was a final day of football for him, he, however, had to console devastated fans even after being denied a fairytale end to his career.
Drogba who plays for and co-owns Phoenix Rising – suffered heartbreak as his side lost 1-0 to Louisville City in the USL Cup final, his final game.
At the end of the game, Drogba approached the Phoenix faithful, hugged one gutted fan and told him: “Don’t cry, don’t cry.” He proceeded to shake supporters’ hands and thank them.
The player inspired second-division Phoenix to the final with three goals in three playoff games but was halted in his tracks against Louisville. Luke Spencer dealt the killer blow in the second half after a penalty.
Drogba scored a stunning 157 goals in 341 appearances during his first spell at Chelsea between 2004 and 2012, winning three Premier League titles and the Champions League.
The ex-Ivory Coast forward won the league again in 2015 after returning to Stamford Bridge following spells at Shanghai Shenhua and Galatasaray.
An 18-month stint at Montreal Impact followed, before joining and purchasing – Phoenix in 2017.
