Could another former Chelsea star join Didier Drogba at Phoenix Rising?
Jul 14, 2017, 4:13 PM
Chelsea's Florent Malouda, right, is congratulated by Didier Drogba after scoring the winning goal against MSK Zilina during their Champions League group F soccer match at the Stamford Bridge stadium, London, Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2010. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
(AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
PHOENIX — It’s safe to say that Phoenix Rising is pretty pleased with the signing of co-owner and forward Didier Drogba.
He not only added a big-name signing to a team trying to score one of four future MLS team bids, but made a big impact on the field: His four goals lead the team.
And if rumors were to be believed, Drogba could soon be joined by another former Chelsea star who would not only fit into the starting 11 right away, but would add another big name to attract the eye of league officials.
Florent Malouda, who won the Champions League — among many other trophies — while playing alongside Drogba in the British capital may be considering a move to the desert.
“We’ve already talked about that,” Malouda told France Football. “I was a little confident when he signed, we’ll say.”
The 37-year-old midfielder was coy when talking about a potential move but did not quash it outright. He also admitted to keeping a “close eye” on the team.
“We’ll see in the second part of the season,” he said. “There’s a lot to put in place for the future and I’m very close to what’s going on there.
“And it’s not unpleasant to live in the United States.”
Though Malouda said he had not decided where he may want to settle on this side of the Atlantic, he did name some former teammates who now call the U.S. home, including Phoenix Rising midfielder Shaun Wright-Phillips.
“There are some connections,” he said.
Malouda played for for Chelsea from 2007 to 2013. He scored 35 goals and added another 26 assists in 149 games for the Blues.
