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Their hopes were somewhat restored when Drogba sent a tweet denying reports he would retire from playing.

On Sunday, Hiddink officially ended the club’s pursuit. “I wish him all the best now for one of his last seasons,” he told reporters.

It was a second piece of good news in as many days for the Impact, who announced Saturday that central defender Victor Cabrera signed a contract after solid play last season in Montreal on loan from Argentine club River Plate.

Twenty-five players are expected to report on Monday, including first-round draft pick Kyle Fisher.

Midfield signing Luacs Ontivero, midfielder Calum Mallace and draft picks Michael Salazar, Eric Verso and Keegan Smith are to report in Florida. Midfielder Pedro Jeanine, who is on a trial, will also join the team in Florida.

Canadians Kyle Bekker, Maxime Crépeau and Wandrille Lefèvre, American Erik Miller and Costa Rican Johan Venegas will hook up with the squad after spells with their national teams.

Midfielder Andres Romero remains in Argentina to rehab a knee injury.

The Impact’s first pre-season game is set for Feb. 4 against the New York Red Bulls.

They open the regular season March 6 in Vancouver and play their home opener March 12 against the Red Bulls at Olympic Stadium.