Ghana midfielder Michael Essien has revealed why he agreed to join Azerbaijani side Sabail FK.

Essien, who left Indonesian side Persip Bandung last year, signed a 15 month deal with the club until May 2020.

The 36 year old 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.

According to the Chelsea legend after weeks of discussions with the club, he was attracted by the club's project for the future.

"I was here three weeks ago. Had a good chat with the club and they told me about the project. I thought about it, liked it and here we are," Essien said after signing.

"It's a different thing to what I have seen before. Looks interesting and exciting, so happy to be here," Essien told Sabail's website.