Former Chelsea defender Marcel Desailly has revealed how he smartly overcame his step father’s wish to become a professional footballer.

According to the Ghanaian born French international, his step father had wanted him to concentrate on education rather than playing football.

In an interview with footballmadeinghana.com, the former AC Millan defender stated he managed to overcome his grandfather’s wish due to his passion and willingness to play the game to the highest level.

“In the 80s, I left Ghana when I was 4, I reached France and entered the football system slowly. I didn’t have a choice. I was inside the system. By the age of 13, I was in the France junior national team. Before I went on to become European Champion with the national team.

“My step father was a diplomat, he really identified I have a potential to go to the University and this educational background.

“He really wanted me to study and not to play football. It was a fight between me and my parent to try and go and play my football.

“But I managed to win it. It was very strong and really want to enjoy with my friends at the age of 9. At age 9 every kid want to playing with his friends.”

The 1998 World Cup winner also disclosed how schooling in Nantes also helped him to develop as professional footballer.

“There was a compromise. My parent told me you will go and play and at the same time continue with your education. Luckily in Nantes, this was where I started.

“They were having a football training twice a day and at the same time I was having the school. My parent were happy and I was happy. This has helped me a lot. Having a foundation of education. Afterwards I started to be a professional soccer player to be able to be more focused and to also to develop the business inside Football”

The ex-Marseille and AC Milan defender also won the UEFA European Championship in 2000 and the FIFA Confederation Cup in 2001 and 2003.