Former Ghana international Michael Essien has revealed that his unexpected decision to pursue a coaching career was driven by a desire to prevent post-retirement depression.
Essien attained his UEFA License A coaching certificate and currently serves as an Individual Player Coach at Danish club FC Nordsjaelland.
In an exclusive interview with Joy Sports, Essien explained, “When I was playing, if you asked me if I wanted to go into coaching, I would say no,” he began.
“But as time passed, I started thinking: I’ve been in football all my life; why not take up coaching and acquire my licenses to still stay in football and be around the players?
“I took this decision to go into coaching because I didn’t want to be one of these ex-players who finish their careers, go home, and start thinking about what they want to do, only to get into depression.”
The 41-year-old enjoyed a storied playing career, representing clubs such as Bastia, Lyon, Chelsea, and Real Madrid, and winning the UEFA Champions League in 2012.
