Ghana legend Michael Essien has explained why Nordsjaelland are the right club for him to continue his coaching career.
The 38-year-old joined the Danish club as a player-coach under head coach Flemming Pedersen last September following a spell with Sabail FK.
Essien played for Sabail in the Azerbaijan Premier League and he also coached the club’s Under-19 team.
The former Chelsea FC star has credited Ghana-based Right to Dream founder, Tom Vernon, for opening doors to him.
“This transition in my career, learning about the coaching aspect of the game is important to me and Right to Dream and FC Nordsjalland has offered me this huge opportunity,” Essien told Citi Sports.
“Not many people get the opportunity to come here and learn and see how they do things here. And you know I’ve been speaking to Tom [Vernon] for many years and he asked me to come and I did.
“Since I came, the staff and players; everyone is willing to help and it’s lovely. How could I turn this opportunity down?”
During his prime, Essien was considered to be one of the best midfielders in the world.
Essien won back-to-back French Ligue 1 titles during his time with Olympique Lyonnais in the 2003/04 and 2004/05 seasons.
The Accra-born legend helped Chelsea win the English Premier League title in 2006 and 2010, as well as three FA Cups and one League Cup.
Essien won the UEFA Champions League title in 2012 with Chelsea, while also placing as runner-up in the 2008 UEFA Champions League.
