As the United States saw the retirement of a soccer legend yesterday in Landon Donovan, today another legend has announced he will retire. Didier Drogba has retired from international play with Ivory Coast. The incredible striker has made over 100 appearances for Les Éléphants and lead them to their first World Cup appearance ever. Even though he did return to his Chelsea FC home this summer, he has decided he is finished with his international career.
— Didier Drogba (@didierdrogba) August 8, 2014Drogba has had some amazing moments with the Ivory Coast National Team and has over 63 goals with them. Even though this is an unfortunate loss for futbol - especially given the creativity and finesse that Drogba brings to every game - this is also a loss to the country as a whole. Many deem the 2007 National Team and Drogba as the unifying force behind ending the Civil War in the Ivory Coast. In 2006, the violence was at an all-time high and, suddenly when the National Team qualified for the 2006 World Cup, the country saw a decrease in the violence. Even the Telegraph in London claimed in their front page headline, "Didier Drogba brings peace to Ivory Coast."
So, yes the team will need to find someone to step up and take the leadership role that Drogba has played. But hopefully the team also accepts the leadership role they have found within their country.
