Didier Drogba has confirmed he will leave Montreal Impact at the end of the season. He’s played in his last home game against Toronto FC few days ago, he was cheered in the 71st minute of the game and given a special farewell tribute on the field after the match. In 18 months, the Ivorian has scored 22 goals and provided 4 assists in 32 games for the MLS club.
“My contract ends at the end of the season and I won’t be returning. I want to end things well, out of respect for everything the people here, the city, have given me. I was disappointed with the result, but we will do everything to qualify to the final. I don’t think the adventure will end in Toronto.” Drogba announced.
He continued, “I had one and a half years of good emotions. I think we made history. And when I came I here for the first time, last season we played against Columbus in the semifinal and this year we’re in the conference final, so it’s a good progress. I’m quite happy with the way things are going and I think I kind of reached the target, but there’s still more work to do. There’s still 90 minutes to play and a lot of things will happen in those 90 minutes. I hope we’re going to be happy by the end of it.”
Monreal Impact captain Patrice Bernier, also paid tribute to the Chelsea legend. “Didier brought so much on the field, off the field, with his leadership and experience and he brought a human factor as well. It was great to get to know him more. I was happy the club honored him after the game. But it’s not over yet — there’s still one or maybe two games to play.”
The Premier League great hasn’t revealed his next destination but there are indications he will be making a return to Stamford Bridge. Goodluck Drogba!
Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard are leaving the MLS.
Premier League return?
Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard are leaving the MLS.
Lampard who joined NYCFC from Manchester City in 2015 and netted 15 goals in 31 appearances made the confirmation on his instagram account.
“As my time at NYCFC comes to an end I would like to thank so many people for the kindness and support that they have shown me over the last two years,” Lampard wrote in a statement on his instagram account. My teammates have been a pleasure to play alongside. The amazing fans have given me incredible support and backing. All the people that work behind the scenes at NYCFC have made it so easy for me to work and settle here. I have very much enjoyed my time, and I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to play for such a great club and in such an incredible city. I leave with many great memories as I embark on the next stage of my career and I’ll be making an announcement very soon.” He wrote
Gerrard’s spell might also be over at the US club. The Liverpool legend who signed an 18-month deal with the MLS side in January 2015 gave a hint on his instagram page. He captioned a picture on his instagram account: “Special place incredible view I will miss you LA.”
Both Lampard and Gerrard scored 20 goals in 67 games between them.
Ronaldinho to retire from football
One of the greatest players to ever grace the round leather game, Ronaldinho is considering retiring from professional football.
The 36-year-old who has been without a club since
he left Fluminense last September is considering hanging his boots. “I am an
old man now, I am 36. I am no longer 26 like I once was, and I am
looking at what I can do to mark an end to my career. The plan is to play one
more year.”
he left Fluminense last September is considering hanging his boots. “I am an
old man now, I am 36. I am no longer 26 like I once was, and I am
looking at what I can do to mark an end to my career. The plan is to play one
more year.”
But before he calls time on his career, the
Brazilian is also considering a spell in the US. “I’ve had the chance to
play (in the U.S.) many times. I have a lot of friends, many directors at
clubs. And now I’ve got the chance to play there again. It’s an option, but
what I most want is to have the chance to travel, to promote the things I want
to do.”
Brazilian is also considering a spell in the US. “I’ve had the chance to
play (in the U.S.) many times. I have a lot of friends, many directors at
clubs. And now I’ve got the chance to play there again. It’s an option, but
what I most want is to have the chance to travel, to promote the things I want
to do.”
The Barcelona, PSG and Brazil soccer icon has won 1
World Cup, 2 La Liga trophies, 1 UEFA Champions League, 2 FIFA World Player of
the year, Golden Foot award, Best soccer player ESPY award.
Brazil's Kaka is the highest paid footballer in MLS.
Former Real Madrid player, Kaka has emerged the highest paid footballer in Major League Soccer. The Brazilian leapfrogged Italian Sebastian Giovinco to top the league’s charts. Other prominent names featured in the list which was released by the MLS Players Union include Gerrard, Lampard, Pirlo, Drogba, Higuain to mention a few.
Top 10 Highest Paid MLS Stars:
1. Kaka (Orlando) – $7.17M
2. Giovinco (Toronto) $7.12M
3. Bradley (Toronto) $6.5M
4. Gerrard (LA) $6.13M
5. Lampard (NYCFC) $6M
6. Pirlo (NYCFC) $5.92M
7. Villa (NYCFC) $5.61M
8. Altidore (Toronto) $4.81M
9. Dempsey (Seattle) $4.61M
10. Dos Santos (LA) $4.25M
2. Giovinco (Toronto) $7.12M
3. Bradley (Toronto) $6.5M
4. Gerrard (LA) $6.13M
5. Lampard (NYCFC) $6M
6. Pirlo (NYCFC) $5.92M
7. Villa (NYCFC) $5.61M
8. Altidore (Toronto) $4.81M
9. Dempsey (Seattle) $4.61M
10. Dos Santos (LA) $4.25M
Chelsea sign Matt Miazga from New York Red Bulls.
Chelsea have announced the signing of Matt Miazga from Major League Soccer’s New York Red Bulls. The 20-year-old centre-back who penned a four-and-a-half-year contract with the Blues.
He told the club website. “I am very happy to sign for Chelsea, a world famous club with a reputation for major success.I am delighted to be in the Premier League, the best league in the world, and can’t wait to meet my team-mates and get going.
“I am still at the beginning of my career but I believe this is the place to develop and learn from some of the best players in the world.”
Ex-Arsenal midfielder, Patrick Vieira appointed new head coach of New York City.
Former Arsenal midfielder, Patrick Vieira has penned a 3-year contract as the new head coach of Major League Soccer side, New York City. Until this new role, the 39-year old was the manager of Manchester City’s Under-21s.
“I am delighted to take up the role of head coach of New York City FC. It is an exciting prospect for any coach.” The ex french footballer said.
He will assume duties in January 1, 2016.
Obafemi Martins wins MLS goal of the year award, says he's done with the Super Eagles.
Seattle Sounders forward, Obafemi Martins’ fantastic goal against San Jose Earthquakes on May 18 has been voted MLS Goal of the Year.
Obagoal’s goal garnered over 50% of the total votes cast by online voters at MLSSoccer.com. Portland’s Will Johnson and New York’s Thierry Henry’s goals came second and third respectively.
Meanwhile in other unrelated news, the former Levante striker who has been constantly shunned by the technical team for some time now has called time on his international career.
In an interview with Italian daily, La Gazzetta dello Sport, Martins who made 39 appearances for the Super Eagles and scored 18 goals hinted that that he’s having problems with the Super Eagles set up and has not enjoyed good relationship with some of his team-mates.
“No, I am done with my national team, I will not go there any more. I do not have good relationships with some companions. If they do not want me anymore, patience. I love my country, I have given so much. But there are problems and although I am summoned, I do not go.” He stated.