Ghana midfielder Michael Essien hopes to enjoy some more years playing but is not contemplating life beyond that as a coach.

Essien, 31, has struggled with injuries over the last few years but is staying positive as he prepares to play at the World Cup in Brazil.

However, when it all comes to an end one day, the player does not see himself making the transition from playing on the pitch to directing from the touchline.

“I do not think coaching is for me and as it stands now I have no plans of taking up coaching after football. You never say never obviously, but currently it is not part of my plans,” Essien said.

“I am lucky as well as proud to have and to still be playing for the best clubs in the world. All in all, I have not done badly and long may it continue.”

With new players emerging, Essien is taking things as they come and believes the years ahead will determine how far his international career puns out.

“If I suffer no further big injuries, continue to play well and continue to be selected for the Black Stars, then who knows ... I may be at another World Cup," said the Ghana midfielder.

“After [Brazil] it will be business as usual: back to playing club football and if selected for the national team, I will carry on. There are African Cup qualifiers and the 2015 tournament in January, so that will be the next objective.”