Michael Essien

The African greats who were playing when I was growing up inspired me - players like George Weah, Abedi Pele, Tony Yeboah, Kalusha Bwalya, and all the others who made Africa proud.

When I was growing up, I always liked playing football, and my mum always took me to football games. I owe her a lot. She was my pillar. She was the biggest influence on me.

I had always said I will like to play for Milan at some stage in my career, so when the opportunity came up, I grabbed it with both hands.

Highs have to be all the trophies I won with Chelsea over the 8-9 years I was with them there. We had a good group, and we were winners from the goal keeper right throughout the team. These are the highs you never forget as a player.

I've played at the highest level, so I'm just looking forward to enjoying the football, so anywhere there is interest, then yeah. I will consider it.

As a kid, I always wanted to play in Europe.

Why haven't I retired? I love this game too much.

Indonesia was good - and crazy, too! It was a great experience to play there. I enjoyed the football. It wasn't easy. It's very hot.

I've been following some of the coaches, trying to get a little bit more experience, because coaching is very different from being a player.

I'm just a normal person out there enjoying his football. If there's anything I can do to make a better life for the kids in Ghana, I will do it.

My children have to know where they come from and the way of life in Africa.

Milan is good, and I am settling in nicely, which is important. Everyone is friendly at the club and are looking after me well, so I can't complain.