Drogba, whose second spell at Stamford Bridge ended in glorious fashion in May with a fourth Premier League title added to 11 other trophy wins, has chosen the MLS for the next stage of his career.

The 37-year-old will therefore come into contest on the North American stage with former team-mate Frank Lampard, although it remains to be seen whether the two will make their debuts for their latest clubs when Montreal Impact play away at New York City on Saturday. Lampard has been unavailable with an injury.

Impact play their home games at Saputo Stadium in the shadow of Montreal’s Olympic Stadium. The French-speaking city held the Games there in 1976.

A quarter-of-an-hour’s walk south next to the river is Parc Champetre, the training ground that has hosted Jose Mourinho and his players for the past week-and-a-half. The changing rooms are housed in a grand, converted fire station.

Impact are currently sixth in the 10-team Eastern Conference of the MLS, level on points with New York City.