Didier Drogba is hoping to train with Chelsea ahead of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, and admits the 2014 World Cup will most probably mark his retirement from international football.
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The Ivory Coast superstar has been plying his trade with Shanghai Shenhua in China's top flight since leaving the Blues at the end of last season.
The Chinese club's campaign came to an end last week after they finished a disappointing ninth, and Drogba, who struck the winning penalty for Chelsea in last season's Champions League final, is hoping to return to Stamford Bridge to maintain his fitness level ahead of Africa's biggest tournament.
"It will first be necessary that I ask permission to Shanghai and Chelsea also," he said.
"If everyone agrees, it is possible I will go and train there until the African Cup starts. But that is all it will be."
The Elephants legend also revealed that, if his country qualify for the World Cup in Brazil, he is likely to bring an end to his long-running international career.
"This Africa Cup of Nations edition will be no doubt my last edition," Drogba told France Football.
"At a time in life, you have to step aside, and I can confirm that after the 2014 FIFA World Cup, if (Cote d'Ivoire) qualify, it would certainly be the time for me to say goodbye to international football."
However, the 34-year-old says that does not mean his club career will be over, adding: "This is not my last contract.
"If I'm able to achieve my objectives at the end of my contract with Shanghai Shenhua in 2014, I'd love to attempt another adventure, maybe in the United States.
"I had some proposals last summer but they all looked like what I had in England. I wanted to move far way to another culture. I'll be 37 then and I think I can still play because I'm always a young man in front of the ball."
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