Chelsea are set to announce the return of club icon Didier Drogba later this summer, in a reported player-coach role.

Although it is not confirmed, many sources and media outlets are reporting that the Ivorian will return to Stamford Bridge after he became a free agent this summer.

Drogba, who spent last season at Turkish club Galatasaray, is a fans favourite at the London club, especially as he netted the winning penalty to win the club’s first ever Champions League trophy in a penalty shootout victory over Bayern Munich in 2012.

Jose Mourinho, who left two of the old guard go this summer; with Frank Lampard being released along with Ashley Cole, seems to be bringing back one of the key figures of his first stint at the club. Mourinho signed the 36 year-old in 2003 for £24 million, and despite the striker departing in the summer of 2012 he is set to return once again.

Drogba’s return would certainly please the fans as they would see one of their icons return, however this signing may be Mourinho’s greatest addition this summer. Although it is unclear whether the former Marseille forward will return in a coaching or player role, or even a mix of both, he will be bringing a wealth of experience back to the side. If he does return in a player-coach role, then not only will he bring experience and knowledge to the coaching setup, but he may also allay fears that the side were short of numbers up front. Fernando Torres has arguably been one of the club’s worst signings with his goal tally standing at a measly 20 goals in 110 Premier League appearances, and with Diego Costa new to the Premier League and Romelu Lukaku’s future uncertain at the moment, Chelsea could do with more bodies in the striker position.

The Blues’ fans are hoping they’ll get to see their former player line up in the club’s royal blue colours once again, but Mourinho knows that this free signing, whether on the player or coaching front, would be an astute signing indeed.