Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has explained why Didier Drogba left Stamford Bridge.
Read: Mourinho Reveals Drogba Turned Down Coaching Role
The Portuguese insisted that he understands Drogba wanted to leave on a high after lifting the Premier League title last season.
Mourinho further explained that the 37-year-old striker still wanted to play instead of taking on a coaching role at Stamford Bridge.
"There are decisions with a different dimension, the emotional history with the club, the relationship between me and the players. There are not two cases the same. All of them are different," he told the London Evening Standard.
"A meeting with Drogba to decide the best for his career, staying or leaving, staying as the third option, leaving on a super high with another title, staying in the club as an assistant, go and play again, stay in the club in a different role.
"All this is not the same as a player without the same status, friendship with me, empathy. Two cases are not the same. In the end, the team is much more important than anyone of us."
Drogba joined Major League Soccer side Montreal Impact following his second stint at Chelsea.
Read: Drogba Causes Stir In Montreal Ahead Of MLS Move
He remains the club's most prolific African player in history and has lifted 14 trophies at Stamford Bridge.
Do you think Didier Drogba will return to Chelsea in a coaching role when he retires? Have your say in the comments section below.
