Didier Drogba to Montreal Impact: Latest Transfer Details, Reaction and More

Chelsea legend Didier Drogba has signed for the Montreal Impact after recently leaving the Premier League champions as a free agent. 

The Impact confirmed the news after completing a trade with the Chicago Fire for Drogba's rights.

“It’s an honour to welcome Didier Drogba to the Impact,” Impact president Joey Saputo said in the release. “From the first conversation I had with him, I felt that he really wanted to play in Montreal. This is one of the biggest days in club history and his arrival to the club will be beneficial in every aspect.” 

Matt Dunham/Associated Press

Drogba returned to Chelsea for a second stint at Stamford Bridge and played his part in bringing the EPL title back to west London.

However, the striker found starts difficult to come by—being used as an alternative to Diego Costa—and he decided the time was right to move on once again. 

Drogba was famously carried aloft on his team-mates' shoulders in his last match for the Blues, with the Ivorian saying to the club's official website: "I want to play for at least one more season, and in order to play more football, I feel I need to go to another club. All the fans know my love for Chelsea, and I hope to be back here in the future in another role."

Kirsty Wigglesworth/Associated Press

Drogba collected his fourth Premier League medal last term, making him one of England's most successful imports in the modern game. 

Jose Mourinho has backed a move to the MLS for his former primary forward, per Agence France-Presse (h/t Yahoo.com), saying:

"

I think he's the perfect choice. 

If I owned a club—I don't and I never would—I would immediately think about a player like him, a man like him, to be the centre of the club universe. 

He's very strong in the dressing room, he's very strong in his image. He's a great example of a club man.

The fact that he didn't accept to stay with us and that he decided to say he wants to enjoy his football for two more years, it's the best answer. 

If it comes from him it's because he feels in great condition for two more years.

"

Chris Carlson/Associated Press

Drogba is the latest Premier League star to make a move to the United States, following Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard—who joined New York City FC and the Los Angeles Galaxy, respectively, this season. MLS has a history of drawing major international stars to the league in the twilight of their careers, starting with David Beckham's landmark move.

The 37-year-old featured 33 times in the EPL and Champions League last season, per WhoScored.com. However, he only started on 10 occasions. He scored six times and provided two assists but was always seen as back-up by his manager. 

This will be a fitting last chapter in the career of one of European football's great centre-forwards, and he will be afforded the playing time he desires.

The Impact are a good fit for Drogba, and they will benefit from his wealth of experience—and the enthusiasm for the game that he provides.