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Didier Drogba retires from soccer

By Alex Butler
Former Chelsea player Didier Drogba arrives for the Best FIFA Football Awards 2018 on September 24 in London. Photo by Facundo Arrizabalaga/EPA-EFE
Former Chelsea player Didier Drogba arrives for the Best FIFA Football Awards 2018 on September 24 in London. Photo by Facundo Arrizabalaga/EPA-EFE

Nov. 22 (UPI) -- Chelsea legend Didier Drogba has retired from soccer after two decades.

The 40-year-old Ivory Coast native scored 164 goals in 381 appearances with Chelsea. He announced his retirement Wednesday with a social media post.

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Drogba began his senior career in 1998 with Le Mans. He played at Guingamp from 2002 to 2003 before joining Marseille in 2003. He joined the Blues in 2004 and played there until 2012. He had brief stints at Shanghai Shenhua and Galatasaray before returning to the Blues in 2014. Drogba finished his career with the Montreal Impact and Phoenix Rising.

"1989 or where it all started," Drogba wrote on social media. "When I think of the last 20 years of my professional career, looking at this picture can't make me more proud of what I've achieved as a player but most importantly how this journey as shaped me as a man. If anyone tells you your dreams are too big, just say thank you and work harder and smarter to turn them into reality."

"I wanna thank all the players, managers, teams and fans that I have met and made this journey one of a kind! Also a huge thank you and love to my family, my Personal team for supporting me all my career during all the ups and downs no matter what. Looking forward to the next chapter and hoping God will bless me as much as he did for my football career."

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Drogba won four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups and a Champions League title during his decorated tenure.

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