Ex-Ghana international Michael Essien has revealed that football is "changing" with much more focus on tactics compared to his playing days.

Essien, who retired in 2020 after a 22-year career, described the sport as "quite physical" during his time, with less emphasis on instructions.

The 41-year-old played for clubs including Chelsea, Real Madrid, AC Milan, and Lyon.

"Football is changing and now the No.10 position is disappearing so it's two No.8s and a No.6 [in midfield] and those two No.8s can become the No.10s so it depends how you want to play," He said in exclusive interview with JoySports.

"Sometimes you move your full-backs high and wingers in, to create some overload to have some players in the pocket."

"Our time is different. It was quite physical and fans like players going on tackles."

The former Chelsea star won two Premier League titles and the 2012 Champions League with the Blues.

Essien made 59 appearances for Ghana's Black Stars, scoring nine goals.

He is currently part of the coaching staff at Danish Superliga club Nordsjælland.