CHELSEA legend Michael Essien has taken the next step on his journey into football management by completing his UEFA course.

The 41-year-old expressed a desire to continue working in football after hanging up his boots over six years ago.

He took up a coaching role with Danish side Nordsjaelland in 2020 and was tasked with helping young players transition into the first team.

While working for the club, Essien has continued to collect his coaching badges.

The Premier League icon recently completed his UEFA Certificate in Football Management course, meaning he is now prepared to take the next step in his coaching career.

Essien shared his achievement on social media last week.

He wrote: “Finally done with my UEFA certificate in football management journey.

“Thanks all for the help. I keep learning about the beautiful game.”

In a recent interview with Joy Sports, Essien revealed he initially had no interest in becoming a coach when he was a player.

However, his mindset quickly changed when he retired.

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He explained: “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?”

Essien joined Chelsea in a £24.4million transfer from Lyon in 2005 and went on to make 256 appearances.

He also won the Champions League, two Premier League titles, three FA Cups and the League Cup during his time at Stamford Bridge.

Bastia, Real Madrid, AC Milan, Panathinaikos, Persib Bandung and Sabail are among the other clubs he played for.

Essien was also capped 59 times by the Ghana national team as a player.