The ex-Black Star reveals how his former national team colleagues influenced him to venture into coaching.
Former Ghana captain Stephen Appiah has shed light on the motivation behind his decision to pursue a coaching career.
The former Juventus star has never hidden his desire to get in the dugout since hanging up his boots in 2015.
''I was having a different plan altogether as to what career I may pursue when I retire from active football,'' Appiah told Fox FM.
''I quite remember three years ago when Michael Essien and my other playing mates in Europe urged me to go into coaching.
''They motivated me by suggesting that from the way I command a maximum respect from my teammates, it'd be prudent for me to become a coach, and also judging by the knowledge I've gained on and off the field as a player. They were certain that I'll succeed.
''So I decided to ponder over it and I came to a conclusion that I've to take up my coaching course."
Following a stint with local giants Hearts of Oak, Appiah went on to play for Italian clubs Udinese, Parma, Brescia and Juventus.
He also lined up for Bologna and Cesena in the Serie A following a three-year stay with Fenerbahce in Turkey.
The 36-year-old's last club, though, was Vojvodina in Serbia.
"I've already registered for the course and very soon, I'll acquire my certificate, which I'm looking forward to be working with in the near future.''
Appiah captained Ghana at their maiden World Cup appearance in 2006, before playing at the tournament again four years later in South Africa.
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