Montreal confirms acquisition of Didier Drogba in trade with Chicago; Fire end up with Gilberto

Rumours suggesting that Chelsea icon Didier Drogba was on the verge of a move to Major League Soccer had been swirling for quite some time. The exact destination, however, remained a mystery.

The final piece of that puzzle was put together on Monday.

Drogba, 37, joins the Montreal Impact as a Designated Player after the team struck a deal with the Chicago Fire for his signing rights. Terms of the trade were not disclosed, though it has been reported that Chicago - who had the inside track on signing the Ivorian legend after placing a discovery claim on him - received "over $250,000 combined in targeted allocation money as well as regular allocation funds."

The American club announced earlier in the day that it had signed Brazilian forward Gilberto, presumably with the funds procured from the trading of Drogba. While Chicago fans will likely be bitterly disappointed with the way things played out, the mood was far more jovial in Montreal.

"It's an honour to welcome Didier Drogba to the Impact," club president Joey Saputo said of the signing. "From the first conversation I had with him, I felt that he really wanted to play in Montreal. This is one of the biggest days in club history and his arrival to the club will be beneficial in every aspect."

Drogba - whose Designated Player contract specifics were not released as per MLS policy - will join his new teammates after receiving both his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and a Canadian work permit.

The powerful striker dominated opposing defenders for much of his nine years with Chelsea, where he scored 164 goals in 382 matches and was an integral part of teams that won four Premier League titles, four FA Cups and, most notably, a Champions League crown in 2011-12.

The veteran attacker returned to Stamford Bridge last season for one last soiree with the Blues after spending two years with Galatasaray, and was largely a reserve, making 28 appearances (just eight starts) and scoring four Premier League goals.

Regardless of his obviously diminishing skills, the Ivorian will provide Montreal with an added boost as the club attempts to push for a second-ever appearance in the MLS playoffs.

"We are very excited and thrilled to add to our roster a player with an exceptional career," said Montreal's technical director Adam Braz. "He's demonstrated his qualities as a striker at the highest level in Europe. His instinct in front of the goal, his experience and his leadership are all attributes that will help the team on the field."