Didier Drogba Agrees to Player-Owner Contract with USL Club Phoenix Rising

Former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba announced Wednesday he has signed a contract with United Soccer League club Phoenix Rising FC.

The USL celebrated his arrival on Twitter:

According to a statement from the club, Drogba will initially join the team in a playing role before transitioning to an executive position.

The New York Times' Rory Smith reported Drogba can play for one or two more years before moving to a coaching role or official position in the club's front office.

For Phoenix Rising, signing Drogba is a part of their long-term plans to become an expansion franchise in Major League Soccer. Phoenix Rising's ownership group is one of 12 that officially submitted a bid by Jan. 31 to join MLS when the league expands.

Drogba said in the club's statement:

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After seeing first hand the potential for expansion of the sport in North America and getting to know the ownership group in Phoenix, I am convinced that I can help them develop their organization on and off the pitch. I look forward to their continued success in the USL, and no city is better positioned than Phoenix for expansion into the MLS.

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MLS Commissioner Don Garber confirmed in December he plans to grow the league from 22 teams to 26 by the second or third quarter of 2017—Los Angeles FC and an unnamed Miami team are already pegged for spots in the league—with two more teams to be announced at a later date.

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