PHOENIX – Phoenix Rising FC striker Didier Drogba said on Tuesday that the 2018 USL season will likely be his last in the professional ranks, potentially bringing down the curtain on an illustrious 20-year career with one final pursuit of a championship with Rising FC.

"I think next year will be my last season," Drogba told RMC. "I need to have some time for my other projects. Playing is good, but at 39, it slows me a bit.”

Drogba had a stellar first season for Rising FC as he recorded nine goals in 13 regular season contests, despite being slowed midway through the season by injury. The former Ivory Coast international also found the net in Phoenix’s Western Conference Quarterfinal against the Swope Park Rangers in the 2017 USL Cup Playoffs.

Rising FC made a strong push into the 2017 USL Cup Playoffs following the arrival of Drogba and new Head Coach Patrice Carteron in midseason, posting an 11-1-3 record from the start of August. Phoenix was eliminated in the postseason by the Rangers in a penalty shootout, with Swope Park going on to claim the Western Conference Championship for a second consecutive year.