Former Ghana international Michael Essien and Togolese skipper Emmanuel Adebayor have paid a glowing tribute to Chelsea and Ivory Coast legend Didier Drogba, who announced his retirement from active football on Wednesday.

Essien and Drogba played together at Chelsea, helping the Blues win the 2012 Uefa Champions League in a dramatic final against Bayern Munich.

The 40-year-old scored 164 goals in 381 appearances over two spells with Chelsea, helping them win the Premier League four times, as well as four FA Cup triumphs and three League Cup victories.

He made over 100 appearances for the Ivory Coast and was voted African footballer of the year twice.

Drogba had been playing this season in the United States with Phoenix Rising, the second-tier club at which he is a co-owner.

But has hanged up his boot following the United Soccer League Cup final defeat to Louisville City earlier this month.

Essien, who is in the twilight of his career took to his twitter account to bid farewell to his former teammate.

Adebayor who still plies his trade in Turkey said Drobga was a competitor at the club and national team levels. “But deep inside, I know we are fighting the same fight, which is to make Africa proud. You have done it so well over the years. I watched you work so hard,” he added.

By Daraja Mutari