Montreal

Didier Drogba refused to play if Impact weren't going to start him

Published Nov. 15, 2016 2:35 p.m. ET

Ryan Rosenblatt

Montreal Impact manager Mauro Biello opted not to start Didier Drogba for Sunday's crucial match against Toronto FC and the Ivorian striker responded by demanding he be taken out of the team's matchday team. Drogba wasn't even on the bench for the Impact's 2-2 draw and Biello confirmed after the match that it was because the player asked out after being told he wouldn't start.

It was somewhat of a surprise to see Drogba left out of the starting lineup, but the real shock was that he didn't even make the bench. That wasn't Montreal's choice, though. Biello simply decided to start Matteo Mancosu instead of Drogba and from there it was all Drogba.

There has been some talk about how the Impact would use Drogba down the stretch and in the playoffs because while he's scored goals and added some assists, Montreal have gotten better results without the Designated Player. Ignacio Piatti already provides enough of a goal-scoring threat and Mancosu gives them a more mobile option than Drogba. Biello made his choice, at least for Sunday, and Drogba wasn't OK with it.

The Impact originally told reporters that Drogba was dealing with back issues, however Taylor Twellman said there was an issue between Drogba and the club, while the Sporting News' first reported that Drogba refused to be on the bench, which Biello later confirmed.

Montreal clinched a playoff spot on Sunday so they know they are into the postseason. All that's left for them heading into the final match of the regular season is to determine whether they will host their play-in round game or whether they will be on the road, but that takes a back seat to their situation with Drogba. Their success in the postseason may depend on getting that taken care of because there definitely appears to be a rift right now.

This story was updated with Biello's confirmation of the Sporting News report.

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