Chelsea legend Didier Drogba has hinted he will make a return to Europe after turning 40 over the weekend. 

The Ivorian, who is currently the player/owner of Phoenix Rising in America’s second tier, announced that he intends to retire from playing after he turned 40 on Sunday.

“I’m surrounded by a lot of youngsters, and I like passing my know-how on to them.” Drogba said.

“But this season is the last. I’m 40, it’s time now.”

However rather than hang up his boots completely, the former Blues superstar says he intends to move into management sooner rather than later, even as shortly as next season should the right offer come along.

Drogba has been heavily rumoured to return to Stamford Bridge as part of the coaching team ever since leaving the club in 2015, but it appears it is another of his former clubs, Marseille, that is most likely his next destination.

“We’ll have to see what is offered. I’m always ready to help,” Drogba told Telefoot, “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.

“It’s excellent to stay in the top three with a team like that. As a fan, I have a lot of faith in them.”

Drogba scored 164 goals in two spells for Chelsea, winning 12 major trophies along the way.