PHOENIX – Internationally acclaimed Chelsea and Ivory Coast National team soccer star Didier Drogba arrived to a king’s welcome at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on Friday evening.

“I’m happy to be here and it’s an amazing welcome from the fans,” Drogba said. “I can’t wait to get started and to see the stadium [and] to see my teammates. And it’s going to be an amazing time here."

Drogba will be officially introduced to fans prior to Phoenix Rising FC’s match on Sunday, April 23 against Swope Park Rangers. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. PT. The pre-match welcoming ceremony will begin at 6:40 p.m. PT.