Former Chelsea star Drogba introduced in Phoenix
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Although the Phoenix area isn’t yet a major pro soccer market, Sunday night felt like a big step toward that dream for Phoenix Rising FC and its fans.
The second-division club packed its 6,200-seat facility in nearby Scottsdale to beyond capacity for the official introduction of international superstar Didier Drogba as player, owner and club ambassador. Drogba, voted English powerhouse Chelsea’s best player in history by the club’s fans in 2012 and the all-time leader in international goals for his native Ivory Coast, arrived in Phoenix on Friday and attended his first Phoenix Rising FC match Sunday night.
Drogba is signed to Phoenix Rising for two years and will eventually take the field as a player for the club and help the team’s cause in its bid for Major League Soccer. He addressed the crowd at halftime of Phoenix Rising’s match against Swope Park Rangers of Kansas City.
“Together, Phoenix is going to be in the MLS,” he said, drawing cheers.