Montreal Impact deny interest in Didier Drogba from Chelsea

Ivorian linked with return to Stamford Bridge.

Didier Drogba celebrates scoring a goal for Montreal Impact in an MLS match in September. Grham Hughes / The Canadian Press / AP / September 5, 2015

Magor League Soccer side Montreal Impact on Friday denied that striker Didier Drogba had been contacted about a return to Premier League club Chelsea, in turmoil since sacking manager Jose Mourinho.

“The rumour about Didier Drogba is unfounded,” Major League Soccer’s Impact posted on their official Twitter account. “No contact has been made with the club or him.”

The magazine Jeune Afrique reported Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich called 37-year-old Drogba hours after Mourinho parted ways the with the club on Thursday regarding a possible return to his old club.

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Drogba won four league titles with Chelsea and a Uefa Champions League crown in 2012.

Drogba, who scored 12 goals in 14 matches for Montreal after signing with the MLS club in July, said last month he was open to the idea of training with Chelsea to maintain his fitness if Montreal agreed.

But at the same time, the Ivory Coast striker doused speculation that he might follow in the footsteps of such former MLS players as David Beckham or Thierry Henry, who inked short-term loan deals to play in Europe in the North American league’s off-season.

“I’m not too hot on that idea,” he said, adding that he was committed to fulfilling the remaining season on his MLS contract next year.

Chelsea, who won a Premier League and League Cup double last season, are currently 16th place in the Premier League, two places and one point above the relegation zone after nine defeats in 16 games.

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