Drogba, 33, missed a chance of lifting the Afcon on Sunday night when they stumbled to Zambia in a tournament which most have tipped the last for the golden generation.However, with Caf switching the competition to odd years, the striker could be back next summer for another edition in South Africa.
"If they still have the motivation they can still play an important role for the team," said coach Francois Zahoui, whose own future is the subject of speculation, after they lost on penalties to Zambia in Sunday's final after a goalless draw.
"But these are decisions not to be made now."
Zahoui, determined to end Ivory Coast's habit of playing attractive football but failing to win the trophy, had banked on a more pragmatic approach and his team got through their six games without conceding a goal.
But his lacked of ambition cost them in the final against opponents who were always adventurous despite their underdog status.