Drogba 'not too hot' on the idea of returning to play for Chelsea

Of all the recent big name imports to MLS from Europe, Didier Drogba has easily had the biggest impact.  In just a few short months, with a dozen goals in just 14 matches, including a hat-trick on his first start and several key goals down the stretch to secure Montreal's spot in the MLS Cup playoffs, Drogba was an instant hero for his brand new audience (with one key familiar banner in attendance as well).

Montreal's run to the MLS Cup ended a couple rounds prematurely, with an extra-time loss to Columbus Crew.  The winter offseason awaits — MLS is on the opposite opposite schedule of most European leagues — which is a time when a few stars have opted to go (back) to Europe on loan in the last couple years (Thierry Henry to Arsenal or Landon Donovan to Everton, for example).  Would Drogba consider such a move back to play for Chelsea?  The question had already been posed to Jose Mourinho and he denied any such intention from the club, but what about Didier himself?

"To train? Why not? But it's something I would need to discuss with the club (Montreal), because I belong to them."

"Playing? I'm not too hot on that idea. I need to rest and make sure that I'm ready for the new season. I signed a one-and-a-half year contract, I always like to respect what I have signed,"

-Didier Drogba; source: AFP

Potentially complicated contractual issues aside, signing Drogba to come play for Chelsea again does seem perhaps a rather fanciful proposition.  But having him back just to train, and on the side, provide a bit of his veteran leadership and much-needed clubhouse presence is perhaps not the worst idea.

"It was a difficult season for me physically, I didn't get enough time to prepare. I was very happy to play in this league, to play in new stadiums, discover new cities."

"I have no desire to look ridiculous on a football field. When I came here, I said I come here to win -- it is not necessarily to win the MLS, but to see the kind of emotions we have seen in recent matches. It is a victory for the club, the city and I'm happy with my season."

-Didier Drogba; source: AFP