29 March 2024

Friday, 03:03

"IT'S NOT ABOUT MONEY"

Michael Essien: "I only think about being useful for my team on the field"

Author:

01.04.2019

The star of Chelsea, the legend of the Ghanaian national team, a world-famous footballer... One can come across the name of Michael Essien on the headlines of sports websites since mid-March. The 36-year-old Ghanaian midfielder decided to return to the field after a two-year break. The famous football player resumed his career now as a member of the Azerbaijani club Sabail FC.

Despite the close of the winter transfer window, the debutant of the Premier League of Azerbaijan signed a contract with M. Essien for a year and a half. The midfielder agreed with the club reserving his status of a free agent. He will also enter the coaching staff of the junior team (U-19).

Starting his professional career in the French club Bastia, M. Essien played 58 matches for the national team of Ghana in which he scored nine goals. Essien played the largest number of games for Chelsea. As part of the team, he has played 168 games scoring 19 goals in total. He later became the winner of the Champions League and also played for the Spanish Real FC and Milan FC of Italy.

The head coach of Sabail FC, Afandil Hajiyev, called the transfer of M. Essien to the team as an important step for the club's development. Hajiyev said that he met with Essien in early March. "Essien came to us for the final game of Baku-2019, Final of Stars, dedicated to the final match of the Europa League. Then he visited our training base. During the conversation, I learned that he had not yet announced his retirement and continued training. Essien's last professional club was the Indonesian Persib Bandung. Half joking, we suggested him to continue his career in our team, and M. Essien reacted to our proposal with enthusiasm. We did not think that he would agree,", Hajiyev said.

Immediately upon arrival to Azerbaijan, we asked M. ESSIEN about an interview for Region Plus, to which he kindly agreed and answered all questions despite time constraints.

"You have played in many countries. You were the winner of the Champions League. Which offer from Sabail FC caught your attention?"

"These are facts from the past. I just want to play football. I was introduced to the club management during my visit to Baku in connection with the presentation of the Europa League final game. They talked about plans and I became interested. I consider myself ready for new challenges."

"So the material side of the contract is not so important?"

"Frankly, the attitude towards you is more important. The guys here are focused on projects for the further development of the newly established club Sabail. I also want to share my experience with them. Your country loves football. Any footballer will appreciate this."

"If it were up to you, whom of the footballers who came together with you to Baku you would like to see in the Azerbaijan Championship?"

"I have not thought about that."

"In 2017, you played in the Indonesian Championship. Did you receive offers after this?"

"I have had several proposals during this period. Australian clubs were also interested. But I did not agree due to distance constraints. I also decided to give myself a little break. I also completed my coaching courses at Chelsea. Then I worked at the same club as a trainer for junior players."

"You turn 37 years old this year. Do you expect a problem with your speed?"

"I have seen enough of different football in my lifetime; I have seen championships faster than yours. I think I can handle it."

"Your arrival will be a big promotion for Sabail and the entire Azerbaijani football. What do you think about it?"

"I am a football player and I think only about being useful for my team on the field. I have never thought about the detail you mentioned."

"What was your main requirement as a football player?"

"There were no special requirements. My main goal is to share my experience with young people who will play next to me."

"Am I right in understanding that Michael Essien is the most expensive player in the championship of Azerbaijan?"

"I would not like to disclose financial terms of my transfer. It's not about money only. During my career, I have played for a number of famous clubs earning enough for myself. I was interested in your country. I took Sabail as a new challenge and agreed to pursue my career in Azerbaijan."

"You have already watched one match of the national championship. How do you find the Azerbaijani Premier League?"

"I watched the game between Sabail and Garabagh. It was an interesting game. Despite the defeat of Sabail, it was a rather tense match as well. I think the factor of experience was decisive in the victory of Garabagh."

"Is it possible to invite another star player to Sabail with your help?"

"This issue has not been discussed. My goal is to help Azerbaijani football. I am very impressed with the attitude of Sabail FC toward football. That is why I agreed to continue my career in Azerbaijan."

"At the same time you will train 19-year-old players. Do you have any coaching experience?"

"I will try to teach the young everything I know. I coached juniors at Chelsea. Football player and coach are different professions. Being a coach is even harder. Despite this, I am interested in working in your country."

"Will you take your family to Baku?

"Currently we are trying to solve domestic issues like choosing home for living. It will take some time to get used to Baku. I have not thought about moving family members yet. Probably, they will come to Azerbaijan some time to know more about your country."

"What do you know about Azerbaijani football?"

"I was told that there are eight teams in the Premier League. I know that your clubs constantly play in European competitions, that Garabagh played in the Champions League, that the final game of the Europa League will take place in Baku this year, and the city will host four Euro 2020 matches next year. I am sure that in a couple of months I will know more. Along with football, I would like to explore your culture. I am glad to feel a warm welcome here. I need to justify the hopes on the field."

"Sabail FC became the third in the national championship. We hope that the team will improve after your arrival. Would you like to play with a new club in European championships?"

"Football is a teamwork. One footballer can do a lot, but not all. It takes time to adapt to the new environment. I will try to find my feet in Sabail as soon as possible. I will do everything in my power to make Sabail qualified for European Cups. I would like to demonstrate that Essien always remains Essien."



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