Didier Drogba Agrees to Player-Owner Contract with USL Club Phoenix Rising

Former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba announced Wednesday he has signed a contract withUnited Soccer League club Phoenix Rising FC.The USL celebrated his arrival on Twitter:According to a statement from the club, Drogba will initially join the team in a playing role before transitioning to an executive position.TheNew York Times'Rory Smithreported Drogba can play for one or two more years before moving to a coaching role or official position in the club's front office.For Phoenix Rising, signing Drogba is a part of their long-term plans to become an expansion franchise in Major League Soccer. Phoenix Rising's ownership group isone of 12that officially submitted a bid by Jan. 31 to join MLS when the league expands.Drogba said in theclub's statement:After seeingfirst handthe potential for expansion of the sport in North Americaand getting to know the ownership group in Phoenix, Iam convinced thatI can help them develop their organization on and off the pitch.I look forward to their continued success in the USL, and no city is better positioned than Phoenix for expansion into the MLS.MLS Commissioner Don Garberconfirmedin December he plans to grow the league from 22 teams to 26 by the second or third quarter of 2017Los Angeles FC and an unnamed Miami team are already pegged for spots in the leaguewith two more teams to be announced at a later date.For more news, rumors and related stories about world football,check out the world footballstreams on Bleacher Report's app.
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