Didier Drogba has been officially unveiled as a Montreal Impact signing and says he was urged by Chelsea players to make the move - as well as Alessandro Nesta.
The striker has enjoyed a stellar career in England, France, Turkey and China and he appeared to be taken aback by the welcome he received in Canada on Wednesday, before being presented to the media just a day later.
And Drogba, who hopes to make his MLS debut against New York Red Bulls next week, spoke to his former team-mates about his next venture and also the former Italy captain.
Didier Drogba poses with the No 11 shirt during his presentation as a Montreal Impact player on Thursday
A view of the Saputo Stadium before the press conference for the MLS's newest Ivorian striker
Drogba was mobbed by fans at at Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport in Montreal on Wednesday
Hundreds of fans turned up at Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport to greet the Ivorian star
Nesta played for Montreal in the 2012-13 season.
'I spoke to Nesta and I know he had a great time here and Montreal is French speaking, while the president also had a big influence,' Drogba, who will wear the No 11 shirt, said.
'The Chelsea players and staff spoke very well about the training centre, that was very important.'
Drogba also rubbished claims that he could be the 'superstar' of the group, while admitting he was surprised by all the fans greeting him at the airport on Wednesday.
'The superstar is only the way people look at you, but in the locker room we're all the same,' he added. 'We're all human beings.'
'I was in Istanbul and in China, but yesterday I was different and I wasn't expecting it'.
The 37-year-old left Chelsea this summer after playing 381 games for the Blues and winning four Premier League titles across two spells with the London club.
Drogba, who was released by the west London side at the end of the season, will officially join the Canadian club when he receives his Canadian work permit.
The MLS side are currently sixth in the Eastern Conference and took to Twitter to confirm the news on Monday night.
Impact President Joey Saputo told the club's official website: It's an honour to welcome Didier Drogba to the Impact. From the first conversation I had with him, I felt that he really wanted to play in Montreal.
The car carrying Drogba is mobbed by fans as he leaves the airport on Wednesday
'This is one of the biggest days in club history and his arrival to the club will be beneficial in every aspect.
'He's had an impact on millions of people since the start of his career and he will continue to do so wearing the Impact colours.'
Technical Director Adam Braz added: 'We are very excited and thrilled to add to our roster a player with an exceptional career.
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