Montreal Impact striker Didier Drogba is calling time on his career.

French publication L'Equipe reports the Ivorian hitman and Chelsea legend is retiring as an active player and will join Guus Hiddink's Blues staff in time for Sunday's FA Cup visit from Scunthorpe United.

Late last month, Hiddink, installed as interim Chelsea manager for a second time after the dismissal of Jose Mourinho, confirmed that he wished for Drogba to return to Stamford Bridge in some capacity.

“I worked with him five or six years ago and I was delighted to have such a professional in the squad," the Dutchman said. "He is a legend already in this club, but also outside this club in the world. So it’s nice for guys with these big hearts to connect them somehow with the club."

At time, both Drogba and the Impact denied the link.

Drogba, 37, joined the Impact in late July of last season. He made 11 appearances for the club in all competitions, scoring 11 goals.

He had two spells at Chelsea from 2004 to 2012 and again last season. At Stamford Bridge, Drogba won four English Premier League titles, five FA Cups, three League Cups and the 2012 Champions League title.

In his 18-year professional career, Drogba also spent time with Le Mans, Guingamp, Marseille, Shanghai Shenhua and Galatasaray.

Drogba was capped 104 times by Les Elephants from 2002 to 2014 and scored 65 times. With Cote d'Ivoire, Drogba appeared in three World Cups.