Mount Royal Soccer - Chelsea legend Didier Drogba willing to join Montreal ImpactLa Vie en Bleuhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50925/mrs-fav.png2015-07-30T08:00:03-04:00http://www.mountroyalsoccer.com/rss/stream/87714262015-07-30T08:00:03-04:002015-07-30T08:00:03-04:00Montreal welcomed Drogba with open arms
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<p>Impact fans were pretty excited about Didier Drogba's arrival.</p> <p>The MLS All-Star Game was on Wednesday, and by all accounts a good time was had by all in the fair state of Colorado in the days leading up to the League's annual showcase. The <i>real</i> party, though, was on Wednesday afternoon, at Montreal's Pierre Elliot Trudeau airport.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Full on dance party at Montreal's Trudeau international airport. Can you tell ppl are excited for <a href="https://twitter.com/didierdrogba">@didierdrogba</a>?!? <a href="http://t.co/k0GPilYvk1">pic.twitter.com/k0GPilYvk1</a></p>
— Douglas Gelevan (@DGelevan) <a href="https://twitter.com/DGelevan/status/626474817391316992">July 29, 2015</a>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">First steps on Canadian soil, What a welcome <a href="https://twitter.com/impactmontreal">@impactmontreal</a> <a href="http://t.co/L2B2Lpzf5g">pic.twitter.com/L2B2Lpzf5g</a></p>
— <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110411/didier-drogba">Didier Drogba</a> (@didierdrogba) <a href="https://twitter.com/didierdrogba/status/626505081874202624">July 29, 2015</a>
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<p>Didier Drogba has arrived, y'all. Montreal's marquee signing took his first steps onto Canadian soil today, down a spiral staircase in the international arrivals area at Trudeau, where he <a target="_blank" href="http://www.rds.ca/videos/soccer/impact/drogba-debarque-a-montreal-3.1140798">was greeted by a throng that would make the Biebs jealous</a>. Some 400 fans assembled at the airport to greet the Impact's new addition, and a mere smile from the Ivorian international was all it took to send the mob into a volatile frenzy. Literally. The <i>Montreal Gazette</i> reports that some of the well-wishers were injured in the melee, with some receiving treatment on-site. Others unfortunately had to leave the party a little early:</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="fr">Devinez ou <a href="https://twitter.com/didierdrogba">@didierdrogba</a> m'a envoyé aujourd'hui ;) De l'aéroport à l'hôpital <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IMFC?src=hash">#IMFC</a> <a href="http://t.co/icgJBL0TpI">pic.twitter.com/icgJBL0TpI</a></p>
— Charif Moukarzel (@Googoly11) <a href="https://twitter.com/Googoly11/status/626546958317043712">July 30, 2015</a>
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<p><span>Nick De Santis</span>, the Impact's sporting director, <a target="_blank" href="http://montrealgazette.com/sports/soccer/mls/montreal-impact/didier-drogba-arrives-in-montreal-to-flood-of-excited-fans">told the media</a> that the club was very excited to welcome Drogba to the team, and believes the striker will bring Montreal's many diverse communities together in a way few things can:<br> <br>"We have a very international city, a very multicultural city and we know...Didier Drogba is bringing the total package to everyone involved. I think the whole city and the province will engage themselves in the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.mountroyalsoccer.com/">Montreal Impact</a>."<br> <br> If the crowd at the airport is any indication, Didi will have an immediate impact. ;)</p>
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<p lang="fr" dir="ltr">Devinez ou <a href="https://twitter.com/didierdrogba">@didierdrogba</a> m'a envoyé aujourd'hui ;) De l'aéroport à l'hôpital <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IMFC?src=hash">#IMFC</a> <a href="http://t.co/icgJBL0TpI">pic.twitter.com/icgJBL0TpI</a></p>
— Charif Moukarzel (@Googoly11) <a href="https://twitter.com/Googoly11/status/626546958317043712">July 30, 2015</a>
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https://www.mountroyalsoccer.com/2015/7/30/9071743/chelsea-legend-gets-a-heros-welcome-in-montrealLaDiavolina2015-07-27T17:55:38-04:002015-07-27T17:55:38-04:00Top Five Didier Drogba Moments
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<p>In honour of Didier Drogba officially signing a contract with the Montreal Impact, we take a look at the top five most memorable moments of his career</p> <p>It's official. The <a href="https://www.mountroyalsoccer.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Montreal Impact</a> have signed Didier Drogba.</p>
<p>I'll just let that sink in for a moment. In the meantime, here is a rundown of the top five moments in the 37 year old striker's illustrious career.</p>
<p><b>5. Drogba's brace inspires Marseille to victory</b></p>
<p>In 2004, Marseille met Newcastle United in the semi finals of the UEFA Cup (now called the Europa). After drawing 0-0 at St James Park two weeks earlier, the teams met at the Stade <span>Vélodrome</span> with a spot in the final up for grabs. Didier Drogba opened the scoring with a breathtaking counter run and finish to put the home team ahead in the 18' minute.</p>
<p>Marseille spent the next sixty four minutes teetering on the one goal advantage before the Ivorian struck again. This time on a well hit one timer inside the 18 yard box to lift the French side to the final. He finished the tournament with six goals, tying for second.</p>
<p><b>4. Chelsea wins 2007 Football League Cup behind two Drogba goals</b></p>
<p>In the 2007 Football League Cup, then the Carling Cup and now the Capital One Cup, Chelsea were pitted against London rivals Arsenal in the final. 70, 073 people packed inside Millennium Stadium in Cardiff to witness the London derby, although this time there was more than just three league points at stake.</p>
<p>Theo Walcott's curling shot in the 12' minute saw the Gunners take an early lead. However, only eight minutes later Drogba found himself alone on goal and made no mistake, levelling the game at one all. He wasn't finished. In the 84' minute, he headed home a cross that would prove to be the winner.</p>
<p>His two goals inarguably earned him Man of the Match honours, as Chelsea would lift the league cup trophy for the fourth time. After the match, Frank Lampard would say about his teammate, "He does it week in, week out and on the big occasions," further certifying the Abidjan native's reputation of formidable play when the spotlight is the brightest.</p>
<p><b>3. History is made for Côte d'Ivoire</b></p>
<p>Pelé once said that, "The World Cup is a very important way to measure the good players, and the great ones. It is a test of a great player." Scoring a goal and lifting your nation in the most famous sporting event in the world is a magical thing. It is one of the very rare instances where sport changes from just being a game and transcends into the political and cultural worlds.</p>
<p>In 2006, the World Cup qualification of <i>Les Éléphants </i>is credited as an essential factor in creating a truce during the First Ivorian Civil War. Their success brought the warring parties together and influenced then-President Laurent Gbagbo to restart peace talks.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In their opening group match against Argentina, Drogba scored his nation's first ever <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/world-cup-2014" class="sbn-auto-link">FIFA World Cup</a> goal in the 82' minute. Serving as captain for the match, he would later go on to say that during the national anthem, "I was overwhelmed by emotion. I even saw my career pass before my eyes."</p>
<p><b>2. Drogba, Chelsea stun Manchester United in 2007 FA Cup Final</b></p>
<p>At the new Wembley Stadium, Didier Drogba netted the extra time winner to lift the Blues 1-0 over league winners Manchester United. In the 116' minute, Drogba's 1-2 passing with Frank Lampard left the striker one-on-one with a charging Edwin van der Sar. The 89, 826 fans on hand saw Drogba knock the ball past the Dutch keeper in the 116' minute. The goal gave Chelsea the title and inaugurated the new Wembley with one of the most memorable and dramatic goals.</p>
<p><b>1. 2012 UEFA Champions League Final</b></p>
<p>There isn't much debate about this one. The 2012 Champions League Final had Chelsea take on Bayern Munch - in Munich, Germany. What the 62,500 people in Allianz Arena and the millions of people watching worldwide witnessed could arguably be called one of the most clutch performances in Champions League finals history.</p>
<p><span>Thomas Müller's 83' minute header seemed to be the difference maker for the Germans. Coming only seven minutes from the full ninety, the streets of Munich were primed for celebrations for the home team's triumph. </span></p>
<p><span>Not so fast. Didier Drogba found Juan Mata's corner kick in the 88' minute and smashed a header past Manuel Neuer to pull Chelsea back from the brink. It set the stage for a thrilling finish.</span></p>
<p>However, for as much as Drogba was the hero, he easily could have been the villain. In the 93' minute, he clipped Franck Ribery in the box, giving Bayern Munich a chance to go up from the spot. This prompted the commentator Martin Tyler to remark, "Suddenly, he has gone from hero to zero." But with all great players, luck seems to play in their favour. For when Arjen Robben stepped up, <span>Petr Čech dove to his own left and saved the shot.</span></p>
<p>At the end of extra time, penalties were to decide the final. Cruel memories of their 2008 shootout loss to Manchester United quickly welled up in the minds of Chelsea supporters, especially when Juan Mata saw his attempt saved in the first round. However, Ivica <font face="Arial" size="3"></font>Olić could not convert and when Ashley Cole successfully netted his, the shootout came down to sudden death.</p>
<p>Bastian Schweinsteiger's shot hit the post and left Chelsea with a chance to win their first Champions League title. Didier Drogba would be the man to step up and take on the burden for the English club. The attempt marked the second time in Chelsea's history where they would be one successful penalty away from winning Europe's most prestigious club trophy, as John Terry missed his chance in Moscow four years earlier.</p>
<p>The man from Abidjan, the man with the flair for the dramatic, the man who equalized with two minutes to play, and the man who almost gave up the decisive penalty in extra time, stepped up and buried his shot to the left side of the net. Diving in the opposite direction, Neuer could only helplessly watch as the ball hit the back of the goal. Making the sign of the cross and then running to his goal keeper, Drogba's reaction kicked off massive celebrations for the Chelsea players, coaches, and supporters. His winning penalty is number one on our countdown.</p>
<p><b>What's Next?</b></p>
<p>Now with all the speculation over, Didier Drogba has signed on the dotted line and is indeed a member of the Montreal Impact. With loads of experience, talent, and work ethic, he could be the missing piece for the <i>Bleu-Blanc-Noir. </i>With a championship résumé already as long as the St. Lawrence, Didier Drogba will look to add an MLS Cup to that list.</p>
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https://www.mountroyalsoccer.com/2015/7/27/9050085/top-five-didier-drogba-momentsNick Pevato2015-07-27T14:28:06-04:002015-07-27T14:28:06-04:00Official: Impact sign Didier Drogba as DP
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<figcaption>It's official: Drogba is coming to Montreal to play. | Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Drogba is coming, he's really coming to Montreal.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.mountroyalsoccer.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Montreal Impact</a> have joined the ranks of MLS teams to sign a superstar this year, as the club announced on Monday they have signed forward Didier Drogba as a Designated Player. In order to land Drogba, the <a href="https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago Fire</a> received general and targeted allocation money from the Impact, in exchange for Drogba's MLS rights, as Chicago had the discovery claim on Drogba.</p>
<p>Drogba, 37, comes to Montreal after a second stint with English Premier League side Chelsea, and he won the Premier League title with them last season. Altogether, in a career spent with French teams Le Mans, Guingamp, and Marseille, Chinese team Shanghai Shenhua, Turkish club Galatasaray, in addition to Chelsea, Drogba has won four EPL titles, three English League Cups, four FA Cups, the UEFA Champions League, a Turkish Super Lig title, a Turkish Cup and SuperCup, and numerous individual awards over the years. He was also a longtime Cote d'Ivoire international, serving as captain and playing in three World Cups with his national team.</p>
<p>"It's an honour to welcome Didier Drogba to the Impact," said Impact President Joey Saputo in a statement. "From the first conversation I had with him, I felt that he really wanted to play in Montreal. This is one of the biggest days in club history and his arrival to the club will be beneficial in every aspect."</p>
<p>It is unclear when Drogba will be eligible and first available for selection. The Impact's next game is Saturday against <a href="https://www.hudsonriverblue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York City FC</a> in New York.</p>
https://www.mountroyalsoccer.com/2015/7/27/9049387/official-montreal-impact-sign-didier-drogba-as-designated-player-chelsea-ivory-coastAlicia Rodriguez2015-07-20T19:27:01-04:002015-07-20T19:27:01-04:00Joey Saputo '' I've spoken to him personally"
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<p>Joey Saputo confirms that he spoke with Didier Drogba</p> <p>Joey Saputo spoke personally to Didier Drogba as he confirmed to TSN690's Noel Butler that the club has been in discussion with the Chelsea FC legend. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/">Chicago Fire</a> hold his rights via the MLS Discovery process and seemed to have initially passed as the club has all 3 DP slots.</p>
<p>The president and owner of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.mountroyalsoccer.com/">Impact</a> adds though</p>
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<p>I know Chicago is still in discussion with Didier, so let's see how this plays out.</p>
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<p>As per Joey Saputo,the Chicago Fire seem to have reached out to the league as it rekindled an interest in Drogba, after being able to make some space in its salary cap structure. The president adds that his conversation with Drogba was done in French as the player insisted that Montreal is a great place for him.</p>
<p>The club has had the opportunity to speak to Didier Drogba and the player knows about the club's history, ambitions and where it wants to go. It seems that the ball is in the player's court while taking into account that the Fire is still in the hunt for the Ivorian striker.</p>
<p>As the president said, let's keep our fingers crossed.</p>
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<p>Yes, we're in talks with Drogba. I've spoken with him personally.</p>
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https://www.mountroyalsoccer.com/2015/7/20/9007337/montreal-impact-confirm-discussion-with-didier-drogbaSofiane Benzaza2015-07-19T12:47:10-04:002015-07-19T12:47:10-04:00Drogba to wear the Montreal Blue?
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<p>Didier Drogba was on the Chicago Fire's radar but it now seems that the Impact might be his preferred MLS destination.</p> <p>Didier Drogba might be on his way to MLS as a breaking report from <a target="_blank" href="http://www.tsn.ca/what-s-next-drogba-in-an-impact-jersey-1.333051">Noel Butler on tsn.CA </a>has confirmed that the Ivorian striker is negotiating a contract with MLS.</p>
<p>After leaving Chelsea as an EPL champion, the 37-year old striker did not hang up the boots yet. After an experiment in China, both Serie A and MLS have been rumored to want the exciting striker.</p>
<p>It seems that the <a href="https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago Fire</a> is also on the Drogba bandwagon but Butler's detailed article confirms , via sources, that Drogba has set his eyes on Montreal.</p>
<p>Even though, Joey Saputo made it clear that he will not be willing to spend tons of money if the signing didn't make sense on and off the pitch.</p>
<p>Drogba's name is enough to excite any club though he is far from being in optimal shape at his age but could he boost the Bleu-Blanc-Noir in the standings and revenue?</p>
<p>Stay tuned for more.</p>
https://www.mountroyalsoccer.com/2015/7/19/9000497/didier-drogba-rumor-montreal-impact-mls-noel-butlerSofiane Benzaza