A CHELSEA legend has become the latest former star to step towards management after completing his coaching badges.
Football fans have seen several icons from the noughties move into the dugout in recent years.
They have had varying levels of success with some taking naturally to the step up.
Others have not enjoyed the same success and struggled after making the transition.
The latest star, Chelsea Champions League winner Michael Essien, will be hoping he can make a splash as he prepares to become the next big name to succeed in management.
Premier League odds and betting tips
The ex-midfielder enjoyed nearly a decade of success at Stamford Bridge after moving to the club during Jose Mourinho's first spell in charge.
His lung-busting runs and ability to score screamers saw him quickly become beloved by the club faithful.
Essien now appears set to become a manager after working in a coaching capacity at FC Nordsjaelland for the past three years.
The Ghanaian tweeted: "Step by step, I am learning and growing as a coach. Happy to have completed my UEFA A and UEFA Elite Youth A license. Thanks to the family, @fawales, my tutors, my mentor and RTD/FCN for the support."
He added his thanks to former Nordsjaelland manager Flemming Pedersen and Tom Vernon, who set up the Right to Dream academy which is in partnership with the Danish club and provides training to young football players in Ghana.
BETTING SPECIAL - BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
Essien retired in 2020 after a long career that saw him also play for the likes of Real Madrid and AC Milan.
His most successful period was at Chelsea where he won the Premier League twice, FA Cup four times and the Champions League once in 2012.
Essien follows other modern big names such as Vincent Kompany, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard by going into management after a high-profile playing career.
