Chelsea legend Michael Essien has opened up about his decision to pursue coaching after retiring from professional football in 2020.
In an interview with DW, the former Ghana international expressed his passion for the game and his desire to work with players on the pitch.
“I’m doing my badges because I love being around the players on the pitch, and I stay very close to them, talking to them, giving them advice and stuff like that. It makes me happy, rather than sitting in the office or on the phone talking to people,” he said.
“What I hate in my life is politics. I don’t think I will ever get involved at the political level,” Essien added.
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Essien, a member of the backroom staff of Danish Superliga club FC Nordsjaelland, received his UEFA A and UEFA Elite Youth coaching licenses this year and is working towards his UEFA Pro license, which would allow him to take on first-team coaching roles.
The 40-year-old played for Ghana at two FIFA World Cups, and achieved global fame while playing for Chelsea, where he won two Premier League titles, one Champions League, and five FA Cups.