South African midfielder Hendrick Ekstein has disclosed that Michael Essien’s transfer to Sabail FK inspired him to sign for a club in Azerbaijan.

Ekstein left Kaizer Chiefs to join Sabah FK as a free-agent during the 2019 campaign.

The 29-year-old was on the move again as he left Sabah FC to sign for Sabail FK, after scoring 3 goals in 13 games.

‘Pule’ in an interview with Offsideplus.az, gave an insight into what how Ghana legend Michael Essien inspired him to move to the country.

“I think Azerbaijan is a good country, a clean and nice place with good people and no racism. So I am very happy to come here. I think what really made me come here was the fact that Michael Essien is here, so I said why not; if Michael Essien is here, let me come here and see what is going on.”

He added, “When I first got here (Sabail FK) he was the one who first welcomed me in the hotel and he said to me thanks for coming to the team so that I can help the team. Although it was Sabail who wanted me first when I can to Azerbaijan, I joined Sabah and later the coach of Sabail kept on calling my agent, so I decided to come to Sabail since Essien is here and I want to play with him.”

Esktein's partnership with Essien has helped the fortune of the club in the premier league. They have been able to move a notch up the log and produced some decent results. Ekstein stated that he has learned a lot by pairing with the African legend.

“I am happy to play with such a legend which is Michael Essien and playing with him helps us a lot. We are learning a lot from him because he controls everything. I am happy to play with Michael Essien.”

Since moving to Azerbaijan, Esktein has played 18 games between Sabah and Sabail, scored five goals and has provided four assists. He is also a regular for Sabail having played all games after the winter break.