Didier Drogba to retire, set to become Chelsea coach

- Didier Drogba reveals he rejected move to Brazilian side Corinthians

- The Ivorian is looking to join former club Chelsea as a first team coach

Former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba says he has rejected a move to Corinthians with reports saying he did so because he is set for a coaching role with the Blues.

According to reports in Brazil, the Blues legend is bidding for a coaching role in west London.

Drogba will soon announce his retirement

The Ivorian striker, 38, has been linked with Brazilian club Corinthians in recent days and he was believed to be close to signing a deal with Drogba-Corinthians shirts even going on sale.

However on Wednesday Drogba put an end to those rumours with a post on social media.

He wrote: “There have been a lot of rumours linking me to a move to Corinthians, but it was important for me to speak with Mr Roberto de Andrade, the President of the team, which I did today.

“I explained to him that whilst I am very honoured at their interest in me joining the club, it does not feel like the right move for me at this time.

“I would like to thank the club and all the Corinthians fans for the messages and wish you all every success for the new season.”

Brazilian newspaper Globo claim Drogba has decided to end his playing career as he is set for a coaching role at Stamford Bridge.

Last season, interim manager Guus Hiddink offered Drogba a role as his assistant manager, but Drogba instead continued playing with MLS side Montreal Impact.

With Chelsea Drogba won four Premier League titles, three League Cups, the FA Cup four times and the Champions League, where he scored the dramatic late equaliser and winning penalty.

His 164 goals for the Blues put him fourth on the club’s all time list – he has the most by a non-English player – while he has scored the most goals for the club in finals (nine) and in the Champions League (36).