Thursday 13 April 2017 09:53, UK
Former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has announced he is to become part owner of US soccer franchise Phoenix Rising - although maintains he will return to Stamford Bridge one day.
Phoenix Rising are in their fourth season in the United Soccer League - American soccer's third tier - and are managed by former Ipswich Town defender Frank Yallop.
Drogba, 39, intends to carry on playing and hopes to lead Phoenix into the MLS. They are one of 12 teams bidding for two new MLS franchises and he has sought advice from his former employer, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich.
"I explained to him and the Chelsea board what I wanted to do", said Drogba, who also revealed he turned down offers from the Premier League and Championship to join Phoenix.
"They found it interesting and I have their support. They are happy for me. Being in America doesn't mean that I'm putting Chelsea out of sight. The club is important to me and one day I will come back.
"This is exactly why I am making this move. To finish my playing career and at the same time learn a lot about how to run a team, how to be a manager, and manage difficult moments."
Phoenix Rising have several players with Premier League experience including former Leicester defender Jordan Stewart, former Newcastle centre-half Peter Ramage - and a former team-mate of Drogba, Shaun Wright-Phillips.
The franchise are hot favourites to win a place in the MLS, who are planning to add another four teams to the league, with two joining before the end of 2017 and another two by the 2020 season.
Phoenix has the largest population of all the finalists, including the most U45s, and has double the TV viewers of their nearest rival.
Drogba's fellow owners include Major League Baseball Pitcher Brandon McCarthy, Fallout Boy bassist Pete Wentz and business entrepreneur Berke Bakay.
