'Forever the King': Fans pay tribute to Didier Drogba as former Chelsea striker retires
Former striker Didier Drogba announced his retirement on Wednesday following a trophy-laden 20-year career, prompting a sea of tributes from the football world.
Drogba's most successful stint was with Chelsea, where he won four Premier League titles and the 2012 Champions League while scoring 164 goals in 381 games.
The Ivorian began his career Le Mans in 1998, before joining Guingamp and then Marseille. He later had spells in China and Turkey before returning to Chelsea for one year. He finished his career as player-owner of American outfit Pheonix Rising.
Drogba, who has represented his country over 100 times, is well-known for his charity work, setting up the Didier Drogba Foundation and helping the fight against AIDS and Ebola in Africa.
In the wake of Drogba's retirement, here is what the football world is saying...
Enjoy your retirement, @didierdrogba! 👑
💙Thank you for the many wonderful memories... pic.twitter.com/nd24vBsCkY— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) November 22, 2018
⚽️ 104 goals
🅰️ 55 assists
🏆 4 Premier League titles
🔵 2 Golden Boots
Good luck in retirement, @didierdrogba! pic.twitter.com/DtHCyy9KsG— Premier League (@premierleague) November 22, 2018
Two-time African Player of the Year 🏆@ChampionsLeague winner 🏆
Led 🇨🇮@FIFCI_tweet to their first @FIFAWorldCup 🏆
Enjoy your retirement, @didierdrogba! And congratulations on a fantastic career 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/MYsMnnaffw— FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) November 22, 2018
When I saw people wearing Chelsea, Ivory Coast, Galatasaray jerseys at your USL games, I realized how many lives your football has touched. We never stopped believing, didn't we? What a journey! My favorite photo of the night. Merci beaucoup. pic.twitter.com/G7wTxiAwK9
— Fay Hu (@fay_i_am) November 22, 2018
Legend. Was a pleasure seeing you on the pitch in person, a dream come true. Thank you for getting me into this great sport. I love you.
Please come back to Chelsea soon.— Lav (@LavCFC) November 21, 2018
Just one king in London👑 pic.twitter.com/ri82DzAEuy
— Ahmed 77 (@ahmedalotibi77) November 21, 2018
Great player, Better person. In my top three of all time favourite players.
— Marco Eduardo López (@marcolopez1981) November 22, 2018
Statue needed outside Stamford Bridge.
— AM29 (@MorataSZN) November 22, 2018
That Munich night in 2012 still gives us goosebumps. You will forever be King Drogba for us. Happy retirement! Thanks for the memories and for everything.💙
— PrimeTorres (@dhawal25wade) November 22, 2018
This man uses his wealth to build hospitals, provide salaries for nurses and hospitals
— Patrick (@Everybody63) November 21, 2018
I both hated and respected his games against Arsenal during his Chelsea years. He destroyed us! Awesome player.
— Martin Dooley (@mndooley83) November 22, 2018
We will never forget you The king! The best for you. #Galatasaray pic.twitter.com/JQi2dptTUl
— Sultan Leo Beyazid 🇦🇷 (@Ozkaynak77) November 22, 2018
Thank you so much. It's been an absolute pleasure watching you on and off the pitch. Your passion on the pitch was always incredible and your heart was always there. You're a true gentleman and I wish you the best in this next phase of life.
— Mike N (@sdmikecfc619) November 22, 2018