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Michael Essien still keen on playing in South Africa

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Former Ghana international Michael Essien says he can still play in South Africa if he gets an opportunity and offers.

The 37-year-old is now plying his trade in Azerbeijan for Sabail and also going through his coaching badges. He has also played for teams such as Real Madrid, Chelsea and AC Milan.

Essien believes that Bafana Bafana did well at the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Egypt.

They were knocked out by Nigeria in the quarterfinals, but produced a major upset in the tournament when they defeated host nation Egypt in the second round.

Essien was disappointed with the Ghanaian national team’s run in the tournament.

The Black Stars were knocked out by Tunisia in the second round on penalties.

There was a fallout between coach Kwesi Appiah and Asamoah Gyan prior to the tournament, but Essien would not comment on that spat.

Essien played in Europe during the era of Didier Drogba, Samuel Etoó, Yaya Toure, Benni McCarthy and many other prominent African footballers.

He says it is good for African footballers such as Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane to ply their trade in the biggest leagues in the world.

Essien played under the world-renowned coach Jose Mourinho, who has coached several big teams in Europe such as Madrid, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Manchester United.

He was a flop at United and was fired from the team, but Essien does not believe that he has run out of ideas. – Report by Vincent Sitsula

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