Didier Drogba says he rejected a "perfect" coaching role at Chelsea in order to pursue his team of becoming the president of the Ivory Coast FA.
The Blues have worked at bringing former players back to the club, with manager Frank Lampard being joined by Petr Cech and Claude Makelele this summer.
Speaking at Wednesday's meeting in Abidjan, where he grew up, Drogba said: "I had an offer to stay at Chelsea where everything would be perfect and conditions are met.
"But I want to help Ivorian football because I love it!"
Speaking at a business forum when he first announced his plans, Drogba said: "I am a leader, and my vision is bigger than just the simple role of being a coach. 'A coach has an impact on a club – but I want to have an impact on an entire nation.
"I want us to re-think football, with a nationwide vision, so we can develop the game here. The Ivory Coast has a glorious footballing past.
"The funds are in place, together with talent and potential, but they are under-exploited. 'There are some very competent people in the Ivory Coast who can work with me on this project."