Montreal's newest athlete, soccer superstar Didier Drogba, was greeted by loud cheers, chants and camera flashes as fans gathered at Trudeau Airport to welcome him to his new home.

The Montreal Impact announced Monday that they acquired Drogba, who is one of the best strikers in English Premier league history, from Chelsea FC.

"I used to support Didier Drogba since he played for Chelsea and also because he is one of the biggest players of Afica — of Ivory Coast. That is my country too. I am so proud," said Jean-Claude Njuessan, who was at Trudeau Airport donning the colours of the Ivory Coast flag.

Before Drogba's flight landed, dozens of fans were gathered in the arrivals area of Trudeau International Airport.

They had Ivory Coast flags, brought banners, played bongo drums and danced while waiting for him to arrive.

Montreal soccer fans make lots of noise as they await for the arrival of one of the best strikers in English Premier League history. 0:49

"We've been waiting for a striker since (Marco) De Vaio left, and Drogba's going to bring us goals, goals and more goals," said Julio Fernandez.

The Impact have been seeking an elite forward since Italian veteran Marco Di Vaio, who joined the club as a designated player in its first MLS campaign in 2012, retired after last season.

"Drogba is a legend and just that fact that we can go see him is just a blessing — that we can see him play on our own turf," said Montreal Impact fan Hilal Berjaoui.

Drogba recorded a few seconds of the frenzy on his own phone, and tweeted the video.