Ghana legend Michael Essien opens up on relationship with Right to Dream Academy owner Tom Vernon

Ghana legend Michael Essien has disclosed having a long-standing relationship with the founder of Right to Dream Academy, Tom Vernon.Essien currently work as an assistant coach of Danish outfit FC Nordjaelland, owed by the astute football administrator as well.Noted for nurturing talents, Tom Vernon has produced numerous top players for Ghana including West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Ernest Nuamah, and others.Speaking to the BBC, the former Chelsea and Real Madrid midfielder affirmed having long-time relationship with Tom Vernon.”Ive known the founder, Tom Vernon, for a very long time, since I was 17 or 18,” Essien explains. “I always kept in contact with him and he followed my football career. When I stopped playing, he just messaged me and said, ‘What are you doing?'”I said, ‘I think Im done playing.’ And he said, ‘OK, maybe you should come and look around the place.’ He told me about the whole project. I came and it was a nice environment. So I said, ‘Yeah, I’d love work here.'”I love how they develop their boys here, giving very young boys the opportunity to experience professional football.”That was one of the reasons I chose to be here. It’s calmer; the environment is very nice and very healthy. Everyone is ready to help whenever you need.”‘This generation can be quite difficult’ he concluded.