Former Ghana international Michael Essien says ex-footballers who are passionate about contributing to the sport will still get chances to do that once they are committed.
Essien is among a few others who have taken it upon themselves to contribute to the development of football by going into management.
Since quitting football, the former Chelsea player has been working on getting his coaching licence; most recently, he obtained his UEFA A and UEFA Elite Youth coaching licences. In addition, Essien is working towards obtaining his UEFA Pro licence, which will enable him to coach first-team clubs.
In an interview with DW, Essien revealed that opportunities are always bound to come if you are prepared.
“If you are smart enough and you have a passion for the game and still want to do something in and around the sport, the opportunities will come,” Essien said.
“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.”
Essien is currently with the FC Nordsjaelland backroom staff following an invitation from the owner Tom Vernon after his retirement.
