Michael Essien plays alongside Ronaldinho in charity game

Former Ghana international Michael Essien joined a group of retired football greats including Ronaldinho and Cafu to play a UEFA solidarity game.

The ex-Chelsea, Real Madrid and AC Milan star featured for the Ronaldinho XI and played along many football greats including former England keeper David James, Eric Abidal and Robert Pires and was coached by France coach Didier Deschamps.

The game was played at the Stade de Geneve last Saturday.

The side featured against a Luis Figo XI.

The match, aimed at promoting peace, human rights and well-being in the world, is in partnership with UEFA Foundation for Children, with the eleven young heroes set to meet in person and train in Geneva for the first time next month. Eleven uses the unifying power of sport to celebrate diversity, promote equality, cross-cultural collaboration and youth development.