Didier Drogba Chelsea legend to quit football at the end of the season

20 years after his first professional match Drogba is set to retire.

Chelsea legend Didier Drogba has announced that he will quit football at the end of the season.

Drogba who is currently with United Soccer League (USL) side Phoenix Rising revealed his decision to retire shortly after his 40 birthday on Sunday, March 11.

In an Interview with Telefoot Didier said he will end his professional football career at the end of the season, 20 years since he made his first professional appearance for Le Mans.

"It's really a pleasure for me to play, I started late at the top level. I really enjoy playing. I like my role of owner-player a lot.”

Drogba stated in the interview that he would like to pass his knowledge to up and coming players.

“I'm surrounded by a lot of youngsters, and I like passing my know-how on to them. But this season is the last. I'm 40, it's time now,"  he said.

playDidier Drogba is a player owner t Phoenix Rising

The former Chelsea legend may have risen to prominence at Chelsea but he revealed he would like to make a return to French outfit Marseille in a non-playing capacity.

Marseille now have a new owner in American businessman Frank McCourt and are currently third in the French Ligue 1, Didier revealed he is waiting for an offer.

"We'll have to see what is offered. I'm always ready to help.”

 "In any case, Marseille are showing good things this year. Rudi Garcia's project is taking shape, they're building a team with young players. "

Drogba was part of the Marseille team that got to the finals of the Europa League in 2004 but lost 2 – 0 to Valencia.

playDrogba is the highest goal scorer for the ivory coast national team

He is the highest goalscorer for the Ivory Coast national team with a total of 65 goals in 104 matches for the Elephants.

Drogba has played for Le Mans, Guingamp, Marseille, Chelsea, Shanghai Shenhua, Galatasaray, Montreal Impact and Phoenix Rising.