Brighton and Hove Albion defender, Tariq Lamptey has revealed how he was honoured to train with former Ghana and Chelsea star, Michael Essien.
The 22-year-old is a product of Chelsea Academy before his surprise move to Brighton.
According to Tariq, he got to train with Essien towards the end of his career as a youngster with Chelsea.
"There were a few times I watched him play and was lucky to have trained with him as well towards the end of his career.
"You can see the strike and technique he had on the field," he told Citi Breakfast Show.
He named Essien as one of the heroes he admired and loved to watch when he was a youngster.
Tariq began his career at the age of 9 when he joined Chelsea Academy in 2008 after he was scouted playing grassroots football for his local team, Larkspur Rovers.
He spent 11 years with the youth team before he made his senior debut for the senior team in 2019 against Arsenal.
Tariq suffered a knock during Brighton and Hove Albion's 4-0 home win against West Ham on March 4 and has since not recovered.
Regarding his injury return, Tariq, 22, said, "I'm working hard to recover, and I should be back soon."
He is expected to miss Black Stars matchday five game against Madagascar in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers next month.