Didier Drogba says he's optimistic about the future of MLS, but claims it has a lot of work to do if it wants to be one of the world's top leagues.

MONTREAL — MLS' stated objective of becoming one of the best leagues in the world by 2020 is one that, Didier Drogba believes, it is far from achieving.

Speaking to reporters Sunday following the Montreal Impact’s final game of the season, where the 37-year-old forward scored twice in a 2-1 win over Toronto FC, Drogba said MLS still has many things it needs to ameliorate before it can be considered as one among the finest divisions.

“The MLS is a good league, with some good teams, and you can see that there’s some good football players here, but I think if this league wants to be one of the best in the world in the next few years I think there’s a lot of things to improve, like the travelling for the players, and (not) playing on turf surfaces,” Drogba said. “If you want to compare this league to the English one, to the French, to the Spanish, to the big leagues, it has a lot to do. But I hope the league (will get better) and I think it’s on the way.”

Drogba has taken MLS by storm since signing with Montreal as a free agent in August. Scoring 11 goals in only 11 starts, the Ivorian has helped revive the Quebec side’s season and push the team to a third place finish in the Eastern Conference.

Drogba and the Impact will host Toronto on Thursday in the opening round of the playoffs.