For Chelsea star Michael Essien is set to begin his managerial career at Danish side FC Nordsjaelland.
A statement from the club on Wednesday said: “FC Nordsjælland has signed the former Black Star, Lyon, Real Madrid, and Chelsea player as part of the club’s coaching staff for the season 2020/2021.”
Essien played for nearly two decades, in a career that saw him play in England, France, Spain, and Italy, among others.
The Ghanaian had his breakthrough in the Ligue 1 and was part of the talented Lyon side that won back-to-back league titles.
He then crossed carpets to London, playing for Chelsea for nine years after being signed for a club-record fee in 2005.
Essien ended his career with multiple Premier League titles, four FA Cup, and the UEFA Champions League.
He also played for Real Madrid and AC Milan and represented Ghana at two FIFA World Cup tournaments.
I am delighted to have joined @fcnordsjaelland coaching staff as part of my development towards my full coaching licence. I will also be assisting the players on and off the pitch as part of my role. #transitionontocoacching #yearoftransition #learning #coaching 🙏🏿⚽️🏃🏿♂️ pic.twitter.com/NE2C3jyDHV
— Michael Essien® (@MichaelEssien) September 9, 2020
His last days as a player, though, were spent in Indonesia and Azerbaijan, where he played for Persib Bandung and Sabail, respectively.
With the midfielder now hanging his boots, he has decided to take to coaching and has joined the backroom staff of Nordsjaelland.
In a Twitter post, the 37-year-old expressed his delight at becoming an assistant coach at the Danish club for the upcoming season.
“I am delighted to have joined @fcnordsjaelland coaching staff as part of my development towards my full coaching licence.
“I will also be assisting the players on and off the pitch as part of my role,” Essien wrote.
