The Ivorian international striker Didier Drogba, 38, is in advanced talks with Brazilian club, Corinthians Paulista, Jeune Afrique has reported.
The newspaper believes that his move will be wrapped up soon.
Drogba has not been affiliated to a club since December when he left Canadian side Impact de Montreal. Now, he could be donning a Corinthians Paulista’s jersey for the 2017 season.
The Ivorian had preferred a return to Olympique de Marseille where he rose to stardom during the 2003-2004 season, but coach Rudi Garcia did not welcome the prospect, the newspaper says.
Jeune Afrique quotes a close connection of Drogba as saying: “For some time now, talks have been going on with the Brazilians of Corithians for a contract of six to 12 months. Drogba had been waiting for a response who seemed favourable.”
Didier Drogba announced his retirement from international football two years ago.
The former Chelsea striker scored 65 goals in 104 appearances for Ivory Coast over a 12-year period.
He played in three World Cups.
Drogba captained the national team from 2006 until his retirement from the Ivory Coast team and is the nation’s all-time top goalscorer with 65 goals from 104 appearances.
He led the Ivory Coast to the 2006 FIFA World Cup, their first appearance in the tournament, and also scored their first goal.
He later captained the Ivory Coast at the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups.
He was part of the Ivory Coast teams that reached the final of the Africa Cup of Nations in 2006 and 2012, but were beaten on penalties on both occasions.
On 8 August 2014, he announced his retirement from international football.
Drogba started his football career at Le Mans. He has also played for Guingamp and Olympique de Marseille.
But it was at Chelsea that he became a cult hero.
At Chelsea, Drogba has scored more goals than any other foreign player and is currently the club’s fourth highest goal scorer of all time.
He has been named African Footballer of the Year twice, winning the accolade in 2006 and 2009.
