Wednesday 2 November 2016 08:48, UK
Didier Drogba says he is prepared to play a substitute role in the play-offs for Montreal Impact, despite previously refusing to be on the bench.
The former Chelsea striker declined to feature for Impact last month after learning he would not be starting.
He has not played since due to an apparent back problem, missing Impact's final regular season game and then their first two play-off matches.
However, he is ready to return in the second leg of the Eastern Conference semi-final against New York Red Bulls on Sunday, live on Sky Sports, even if he is not in the starting XI.
"I've done that in my career, even in Chelsea, you know, in Champions League games," he said. "I started my career as a sub so I don't know why it should be difficult for me to be on the bench.
"I think I've showed it, even against San Jose, so I don't think it's difficult for people to understand I can be on the bench and without making it a big drama. Anyway, I'm not the type of guy to justify what I'm doing or not."
Impact beat Red Bulls 1-0 in the first leg of their play-off clash, with Drogba's replacement Matteo Mancosu scoring the goal.
Speaking to the media for the first time since his refusal to play, Drogba was keen to focus on the team rather than himself.
"I don't think it's time to create more negativity," he said. "And I think it's really time to enjoy what the team is doing right now and be behind them and say to the fans that we need them to be behind us in New York and support the team."
Asked about his back injury, he said: "It's a bit better, but not the best, not what I want. But we're working on it.
"We've been working for days to get back to fitness and today, for the first time, I managed to make two sessions, one this morning and one this afternoon, so, a bit satisfied."
