Frank Lampard and other former team-mates hailed Chelsea legend Didier Drogba after he announced his retirement.

The 40-year-old confirmed he was hanging up his boots on Wednesday evening by uploading a photo of himself as a youngster on social media.

Following the news a host of players and clubs took the time to praise the former striker.

Frank Lampard and other former team-mates have hailed Chelsea legend Didier Drogba

The 40-year-old confirmed he was hanging up boots on Wednesday evening on social media

DROGBA CHELSEA CV AND CLUB HONOURS Premier League (2005, 2006, 2010, 2015) FA Cup (2007, 2009, 2010, 2015) League Cup (2005, 2007, 2015) Community Shield (2005, 2009) Champions League (2012) Goals: 164 Games: 382 Advertisement

Derby manager Lampard, who played with Drogba for eight years at Stamford Bridge, said in his pre-match press conference on Thursday: 'He’s one of the greatest that I’ve played with, he’s a monster in the dressing room.'

Former Chelsea captain John Terry posted a tribute to Drogba on to Instagram on Thursday.

Ex-Blues goalkeeper Petr Cech wrote on Twitter: 'What an amazing career... Congratulations my friend and I wish you all the best for the football retirement ... unbelievable player and person.'

Midfielder Michael Essien, who played alongside Drogba for seven years at Chelsea, posted a picture of the pair together from their days at the west London club with the caption: 'My brother @didierdrogba. It was a pleasure playing with you. You inspired many of us to go the extra mile and you have been a great ambassador for African Football and @chelseafc. Thank you brother and good luck in your future career.'

Chelsea tweeted: 'Enjoy your retirement, @didierdrogba! Thank you for the many wonderful memories...'

Before moving to the Premier League in 2004, Drogba spent a year at Marseille and the Ligue 1 side paid tribute to their former player.

The club's official Twitter account wrote: 'Legend. Olympien. Hero. @didierdrogba for a career that’s seen & won it all.'

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

The club tweeted: 'Safe to say he will not be playing with us next season,' alongside the news that he had retired.