Can former Chelsea hitman Didier Drogba inspire Montreal Impact in becoming a major MLS force on and off the pitch?

When the Montreal Impact players came off the field last Sunday after their 1-0 victory over the Seattle Sounders, they were about to find out the good news of their latest teammate who would be joining them and giving a boost to the team on the pitch and the franchise off of it.

Didier Drogba, the four time Premier League champion and Champions League winner, left Chelsea at the end of last season after returning for a successful final season with the Londoners.

The Ivorian striker sealed his legendary status at the London club by scoring seven times and helping the Blues win their fourth league title.

Having this week been announced as the biggest signing in Montreal Impact history, Drogba's next challenge will be to carry his team to into the MLS post-season and promote a franchise that has struggled with dwindling fan numbers for several years.

Having received season tickets figures of an all time low in February, Impact president stated that "the buzz is not there" for his club.

That buzz will hopefully arrive with Drogba as the 37 year-old embarks on his final club before calling it a day on his career.

Saputo announced: "This is one of the biggest days in club history and his arrival to the club will be beneficial in every aspect." His enthusiasm is well warranted as the Impact becomes the latest team to bring in a marquee signing at a time when the MLS is enjoying more focus than ever before.

After big name players Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Andrea Pirlo and Kaka joined the league this season, the spotlight on the MLS is heightened and the profile of the league is inevitably rising and is set on a course to becoming more of a major league.

Drogba's arrival in Montreal means that the spotlight on clubs like New York City FC, La Galaxy and Orlando City, who have all brought in famous players, will now be shared with the Impact and see their profile increase throughout the world.

Whether or not much of Drogba's legendary athleticism remains will become clear soon, but having shown his ability to find the net in the Premier League last season, his goal scoring instincts remain intact and should provide an extra edge for Montreal's attacking line.

Drogba may not make his debut for the Impact for several weeks, but his on field presence will be a huge confidence booster for his new team mates and a huge draw for fans.

Perhaps the biggest effect that the Ivorian could have may well be seen in the future, as his acquisition could help the Impact attract more marquee names and increase their profile even further.

For Drogba, however, the immediate concern will be to help his team secure their first MLS cup and his 18^th career trophy.