Former Chelsea star hints at surprise next job as major career change finally possible

Chelsea icon Michael Essien has taken a step forward in his football management journey. The former Ghanaian international has been collecting his coaching badges ever since retiring from professional football and is now a UEFA qualified coach.

Like many ex-players, Essien couldn't resist but to stay in the football world once he hung his boots up. In 2020, he joined Danish side Nordsjaelland as part of their coaching staff.

During his time there, the ex-Chelsea player has been heavily involved in the club's academy teams. Throughout his experience, Essien gained further understanding of the development of young players which has inspired his coaching education.

Now, he holds a UEFA Certificate in Football management following the completion of the course. This means he is ready to progress in his coaching career further. He shared his award on social media with a picture of him standing in front of the FCN badge.

He wrote: "Finally done with my UEFA certificate in football management journey. Thanks all for the help. I keep learning about the beautiful game."

The midfielder spent the majority of his career at Chelsea, bagging 17 goals in 168 appearances. Famously known for his long-range efforts, his defensive capabilities along with his attacking strengths made him one of the most complete midfielders in the world.

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He won countless trophies including two Premier League titles, four FA Cups and one Champions League with Chelsea. Before joining the Blues, he was with Lyon where they won back-to-back Ligue 1 titles.

However, Essien has recently revealed that coaching after football was not something he had any interest in. He told Joy Sports: "When I was playing, if you asked me if I wanted to go into coaching, I would say no.

"But as time passed, I started thinking: I've been in football all my life; why not take up coaching and acquire my license to still stay in football and be around the players?"

What the future holds for the Chelsea legend is unknown, but we could see him on the sideline as a manager very soon.