Former Ghana international Michael Essien has 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.

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.

By Daraja Mutari