PHOTO:See Michael Essien leading his boyhood team

Michael Essien was a star amongst a host of young players while growing up in his native Ghana.

The Panathinaikos midfielder perhaps did not predict he will be as big as he is now having played for some of the top European clubs.

With Olympique Lyon, Chelsea, Real Madrid and AC Milan amongst the clubs on his CV, Essien has realized his boyhood dream of becoming a top class professional.

He also played for Ghana at two World Cup finals.