Former Ghana and Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien has revealed that he is pursuing his coaching badges because he loves being around the players on the pitch.
The 40-year-old joined the backroom staff of Danish club Nordsjaelland FC after announcing his retirement in 2020.
Since joining the Danish club, Essien has obtained his UEFA A and UEFA Elite Youth coaching licenses.
Speaking in an interview with DW, Essien stated that he stays very close to the players, talking to them, giving them advice, and more.
According to him, it makes him happier than sitting in the office or on the phone talking to people.
"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 enjoys being close to the players, engaging them, and giving them advice.
Instead of working at his desk or talking to people on the phone, he thinks that this is what makes him happy.
The former midfielder is currently working towards his UEFA Pro License, which will enable him to coach at the top level.
Essien had an illustrious career spanning more than 20 years, playing for the likes of Chelsea, Real Madrid, and AC Milan. Essien is one of many recently retired African footballers exploring coaching opportunities around Europe.
Manchester United player 'on the verge of Old Trafford exit after failing to make an appearance'
Jack Butland is close to leaving Manchester United after making zero appearances since joining the club on loan from Crystal Palace in January.
The Englishman was brought in following the termination of Martin Dubravka 's loan from Newcastle.
Butland has been in the matchday squad on 11 occasions but was never likely to feature unless there was some sort of fitness of suspension issue for undisputed No 1 David de Gea.
And The Scottish Sun report he won't be around much longer with Rangers now close to agreeing a deal for the 30-year-old.
Gers manager Michael Beale is in the market for a new keeper with doubts hanging over the future of veteran Allan McGregor.
Butland will be out of contract with Palace come the end of the season and is set to become the the Scottish side's club's first summer signing.
He has been capped nine times by his country and is currently in the midst of the seventh loan spell of his club career.
Former Rangers midfielder Barry Ferguson recently said Butland could be a good option for his old side, having been a team-mate of his at Birmingham.
He told Go Radio: 'Top goalkeepers win you games, so it will be interesting to see over the next couple of months what actually happens with Allan McGregor.
'If Rangers are to sign a new goalkeeper, I remember it would cost a few quid, as good goalkeepers don't come out of contract. There has been one goalkeeper mentioned, Jack Butland, he was a young keeper when I was at Birmingham.
'He is out of contract in the summer and that could be an option in the summer. That might be an option for Rangers going forward.'
Jack Butland is close to leaving Manchester United after making zero appearances since joining the club on loan from Crystal Palace in January.
The Englishman was brought in following the termination of Martin Dubravka 's loan from Newcastle.
Butland has been in the matchday squad on 11 occasions but was never likely to feature unless there was some sort of fitness of suspension issue for undisputed No 1 David de Gea.
And The Scottish Sun report he won't be around much longer with Rangers now close to agreeing a deal for the 30-year-old.
Gers manager Michael Beale is in the market for a new keeper with doubts hanging over the future of veteran Allan McGregor.
Butland will be out of contract with Palace come the end of the season and is set to become the the Scottish side's club's first summer signing.
He has been capped nine times by his country and is currently in the midst of the seventh loan spell of his club career.
Former Rangers midfielder Barry Ferguson recently said Butland could be a good option for his old side, having been a team-mate of his at Birmingham.
He told Go Radio: 'Top goalkeepers win you games, so it will be interesting to see over the next couple of months what actually happens with Allan McGregor.
'If Rangers are to sign a new goalkeeper, I remember it would cost a few quid, as good goalkeepers don't come out of contract. There has been one goalkeeper mentioned, Jack Butland, he was a young keeper when I was at Birmingham.
'He is out of contract in the summer and that could be an option in the summer. That might be an option for Rangers going forward.'