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Impact respond to Drogba-Chelsea links: “Situation’s out of our control”

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during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Sunderland at Stamford Bridge on December 19, 2015 in London, England.

Clive Mason

The “Didier Drogba back to Chelsea” reports are coming to a head.

The Montreal Impact have little desire to see their prized asset leave the club after less than one season -- albeit a dominant one -- in Quebec.

But Drogba is a Stamford Bridge legend, and his desire to begin his coaching career under interim boss Guus Hiddink is quite a pull for the Ivorian striker.

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Montreal acknowledged the elephant in the room -- or the Elephant trying to leave the room -- on Twitter late Wednesday afternoon, telling their fans they want their goal-a-game man in MLS, but don’t have control over the situation.

Drogba, 37, scored 11 times in 11 appearances for Montreal this summer, but has 164 goals in 381 appearances for Chelsea during his long career.

We are currently in contact with Didier Drogba and Chelsea FC. We are doing everything we can to have him back with the Impact in 2016.#IMFC


— Impact de Montréal (@impactmontreal) December 23, 2015

We understand his attachment to his former club and his desire to help them. We are willing to accommodate him. #IMFC


— Impact de Montréal (@impactmontreal) December 23, 2015

But our objective is to have him back for another season, as agreed in his contract. This situation is out of our control. #IMFC


— Impact de Montréal (@impactmontreal) December 23, 2015

We would like to thank our supporters for their understanding and their patience. #IMFC


— Impact de Montréal (@impactmontreal) December 23, 2015

We’ll leave it to Alexi Lalas to sum up our admittedly-defeatist opinion on the matter:

If Drogba’s short @MLS stay is over it was still great to watch. Brought it every game. But lure of #CFC shouldn’t surprise @impactmontreal.


— Alexi Lalas (@AlexiLalas) December 23, 2015

Follow @NicholasMendola