Phoenix project delights Drogba

LOS ANGELES - Former Cote d'Ivoire and Chelsea star Didier Drogba on Wednesday joined US second-tier team Phoenix Rising as a player and co-owner, vowing to help the club ascend into Major League Soccer.

A team statement said the 39-year-old will play for the Rising before switching to an executive role.

"I have taken my time in deciding what I wanted to do next and am really happy and excited about the opportunity at Phoenix Rising FC," Drogba said.