A Chelsea legend has reportedly turned down a job offer from one of Africa's biggest national teams.
The international break takes centre-stage over the next two weeks, with club football set to resume at the end of March.
Heading into the break, several African nations have been undergoing a transitional period following the conclusion of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in February.
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Ghana, who were eliminated from the group stages of the tournament for the second time in a a row, are among them.
The Black Stars sacked boss Chris Hughton after their underwhelming showing in the Ivory Coast.
The Ghana Football Federation (GFF) announced Otto Addo as their new national manager on an initial 32-month contract with an option to extend for a further two years.
John Paintsil and Joseph Lauman were named Addo's assistant managers, while Fatawu Dauda was confirmed as their goalkeeper coach.
However, it now being reported that Ghanaian great, Michael Essien, turned down an offer to join his country's technical team.
According to Original FM, Addo offered him an opportunity to join his staff, but the former defensive midfielder declined his proposal, insisting he was not prepared to take on the role at the moment.
Essien currently serves as the assistant coach at Danish top-flight club FC Nordsjaelland.
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