Essien extends Chelsea contract
Monday, March 12, 2007
Article summary
Michael Essien has pledged his future to Chelsea FC by signing a new five-year contract at Stamford Bridge, tying the midfielder to the club until 2012.
Article body
Michael Essien has pledged his long-term future to Chelsea FC by signing a new five-year contract at Stamford Bridge, tying the midfielder to the English champions until the summer of 2012.
Key presence
The 24-year-old Ghanaian international moved to London from Olympique Lyonnais for €35m in August 2005 and started 27 Premiership games last season as José Mourinho's side won a second successive league title. Essien also appeared in last month's English League Cup final win against Arsenal FC and has played 28 times in the league this season, when he has also been used in defence. In addition he has played every minute of Chelsea's UEFA Champions League campaign, which continues next month with a quarter-final against Valencia CF.
Trophy ambition
"It didn't take me long to decide to sign," said Essien, who made three appearances for his country at last summer's FIFA World Cup finals. "I'm really happy because I came here to stay a long time. I really work hard in training and do everything to succeed. I have the ambition to win a lot of trophies for the club."
