Didier Drogba's first season at Montreal Impact could not have gone any better. His second can hardly get any worse.

The veteran striker's refusal to be a substitute at the weekend is the latest episode of a difficult sophomore campaign in Major League Soccer.

The trouble began last December when it was reported that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich wanted Drogba to return to the club in a coaching capacity.

Montreal, fearing they would lose their star player for the 2016 season, responded in a tweet, saying there had been no contact between the clubs.