Ghana legend Stephen Appiah reveals he received pep talk from compatriot Michael Essien to enter into coaching.
The former Black Stars captain is on the verge of receiving his badge after undertaken the managerial course.
The 36-year-old enjoyed a largely successful spell with the Ghana national team where he captained the side to its first ever World Cup appearance in 2006.
The former Juventus star commands massive respect from football aficionados and has received he was encouraged by Essien to take up the managerial role.
''I was having a different plan altogether as to what career I may pursuit when I retire from active football,'' Appiah told Kumasi-based Fox FM.
''I quite remember three years ago when Michael Essien and my other playing mates in Europe urged me to go into coaching,'' he recounted.
''They suggested by motivating me that, from the way I command a maximum respect from my team-mates, it'll be prudent for me to become a coach judging from the knowledge I've gained on and off the field as a player and were very certain that I'll succeed in it.
''So I decided to ponder over it and I came to a conclusion that I've to take up my coaching badges course. I've already registered for the course and very soon I'll acquire my certificate of which I'm looking forward to be working with it in the near future.''
Appiah earned 67 caps for Ghana and scored 14 goals.