Former Gambian International quits football to accept AC Milan job

Former Gambian international rocky left back Simon Badjie has reportedly quit football to concentrate on youth coaching with the Italian powerhouse AC Milan.

The powerful footballer, who once played his national team football with The Gambia’s Scorpions, is currently in the news of accepting the proposal from the reigning Serie A champions.

The development is expected to avail the Gambian star the chance to also serve as Physiographic trainer with Milan’s youthful side, information sent to Pointsport from the player himself can confirm.

Badjie, who has earned the admiration of a good number of Gambian fans after he made his impressive debut for the Scorpions few years ago, said: “A lot of changes have taken place in my life and the most important one is that this year, I had to take a very important and hard decision to stop playing professional football because AC Milan has given me the opportunity to have an experience as a coach and Physiographic trainer in their youth teams.

“It is not an easy decision to make but I hope this could be a new career for me if God wishes.

“I will do my best to acquire more knowledge and gain some experience so that I will be able to help young Gambian boys with talent to have a chance in professional football.

“I am no longer in contacts with the GFA but in my position now I think I could do something for Gambian football.

“It would be important to talk with the Gambia Football Association’s President and see what could come out of it.”

Simon says he is very much looking up to helping the country’s young talents get the chance of playing abroad with his support.

The Gambia-Italian born International has since his appearance for the Scorpions forged a great reputation as one of the most outstanding defenders for The Gambia and did represent the country on several occasions including The Gambia’s international CAF/FIFA qualifying campaigns.

Born in Milan, Italy, on 6 September 1978, The Gambia’s icon has proved to be a no nonsense defender since making his debut for the Scorpions in 2003.

He previously played his club football with Solbiatese from1995 to 96 and then moved to A Serie C2 side a year later.

 From 1997 to 98 and 99 Simon switched allegiance to another Italian club called Como but eventually moved to AC Pro Sesto in the Serie C2 where he spent five seasons with the club. 

In 2004/2005 Simon signed with AC Monza in Serie C1 and has been playing in the side for three consecutive seasons with the first team before hanging up his boot in favour of youth coaching role at AC Milan recently.