Former Ghana interantional midfielder Michael Essien has revealed why he joined Danish club FC Nordjaelland.
The former Chelsea and Real Madrid star has been with Nordjaelland for a couple of years, serving as one of the assistant coaches of the club.
Speaking to the BBC, Essien disclosed his relationship Tom Vernon played a vital role in joining Nordjaelland.
The astute football administrator owns both Right to Dream Academy and Danish outfit FC Nordjaelland.
Noted for nurturing talents, Tom Vernon has produced numerous top players including West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Ernest Nuamah, and others.
“I’ve known the founder, Tom Vernon, for a very long time, since I was 17 or 18,” Essien explains. “I always kept in contact with him and he followed my football career. When I stopped playing, he just messaged me and said, ‘What are you doing?’
“I said, ‘I think I’m done playing.’ And he said, ‘OK, maybe you should come and look around the place.’ He told me about the whole project. I came and it was a nice environment. So I said, ‘Yeah, I’d love work here.’
“I love how they develop their boys here, giving very young boys the opportunity to experience professional football.
“That was one of the reasons I chose to be here. It’s calmer; the environment is very nice and very healthy. Everyone is ready to help whenever you need.”
‘This generation can be quite difficult’ he concluded.
