PHOENIX - It's not Stamford Bridge, but it's a start.
Dozens of raucous soccer fans showed up to Sky Harbor International Airport Friday night to greet Phoenix Rising FC's new striker Didier Drogba to the Valley of the Sun.
The 39-year-old former Chelsea star arrived from London in advance of Rising's Sunday home match against Swope Park Rangers.
Drogba took time to sign shirts and snap selfies with the soccer supporters.
"I am happy to be here, you know," he said. "It's an amazing welcome from the fans. I can't wait to get started and to see the stadium, to see my teammates. It's going to be an amazing time here."
It doesn't appear Drogba will play in Sunday night's match against the USL's only remaining unbeaten team. He'll make his first appearance for the Rising in the coming weeks.