Official: Michael Essien joins Azerbaijani side Sabail FC

Former Chelsea and Ghana midfielder Michael Essien has returned to Azerbaijan to sign for top-flight side Sabail FC.

The 36-year-old has been without a club since leaving Indonesian side Persib Bandung last year.

The former Chelsea and AC Milan star has taken up the opportunity to play for the European team and to also join the club’s U-19 coaching staff to acquire coaching experience as part of his journey to taking up a career in the dugout.

Early this month, Essien was in the capital Baku for an exhibition match where he visited the club. He joined them at the Bayil Arena Stadium and developed a motivational speech to the players.

He is scheduled to attend today’s league match between Sabail FC and Qarabag.

Essien, 36, will join his new teammates after international break and play till end of the season then restart next season.

The 2012 UEFA Champions League winner will take the opportunity to aslo complete his UEFA B qualification, a continuation of the coaching work he has been doing with Chelsea U16.