SPORT: Ex-Chelsea star Didier Drogba joins MLS club Montreal Impact

Former Chelsea striker and Ivory Coast national team captain Didier Drogba has signed for Montreal Impact, the Major League Soccer (MLS) club announced on Monday, joining a growing list of famous international players in the MLS. Drogba, who was part of the Chelsea team that won the English Premier League title in May, has joined Montreal in a trade with the Chicago Fire, which had his MLS rights. "It's an honour to welcome Didier Drogba to the Impact," said team president Joey Saputo. "This is one of the biggest days in club history and his arrival to the club will be beneficial in every aspect." 

The 37-year-old Ivorian joins an MLS roster that includes Englishmen Steven Gerrard (Los Angeles) and Frank Lampard (New York City), Brazilian Kaka (Orlando), Spaniard David Villa (New York City) and Italian Andrea Pirlo (New York City). Drogba left Chelsea after playing 381 games and winning four Premier League titles across two stints with the Stamford Bridge club. He twice won the Golden Boot for top scorer, and in 2012 scored the equalising goal and subsequent winning penalty kick that earned Chelsea the Champions League title in the final against Bayern Munich. Drogba was mainly was used as a substitute last season. The terms of his deal with Montreal were not announced and there is no word yet on when he will make his debut. Drogba will be a designated player, which means his wages will not be restricted by the team's salary cap. Montreal are currently sixth in the Eastern Conference with 24 points from 18 games.