After a legendary career spanning nearly 20 years, Ivorian soccer star Didier Drogba, will officially retire from the sport at the end of the season.

The player announced his plans to leave the game at his 40th birthday celebration on Sunday, but plans to take on a more managerial role within the soccer industry, reports Africa Top Sports.

"It's really a pleasure for me to play. I started late at the top level. I really enjoy playing. I like my role of owner-player a lot," Drogba told Telefoot. "I'm surrounded by a lot of youngsters, and I like passing my know-how on to them. But this season is the last. I'm 40, it's time now."

The all-time top scorer, began his professional career at 21, playing for Le Mans before moving to Chelsea in 2004, where he became the first African payer to score 100 Premier League goals. He became the first player to play for a team that he also co-owns when he moved to the US-based team Phoenix Rising in 2017.

Drogba has hinted at plans to take on a more managerial role with French-based soccer club Marseille, upon his retirement from the field.

"We'll have to see what is offered. I'm always ready to help."

"In any case, Marseille are showing good things this year. Rudi Garcia's project is taking shape, they're building a team with young players. It's excellent to stay in the top three with a team like that. As a fan, I have a lot of faith in them."

He's undoubtedly left his mark on the sport, we're excited to see what the influential sports figure conquers next.