Essien in for the long haul at Chelsea
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Article summary
Michael Essien has become the latest key individual to extend his contract at Chelsea FC, and is feeling "really positive" under the reign of Luiz Felipe Scolari.
Article top media content
Article body
Positive outlook
The 25-year-old midfielder has agreed a five-year extension which commits him to the Stamford Bridge cause until 2013, following similar agreements which saw Wayne Bridge and Petr Čech renew their ties with the club in recent days. "I am really pleased to have extended my contract with Chelsea," said the Ghanaian international. "I am very happy here. We have a great team and fantastic fans who have always made me welcome. With the addition of the new manager I am feeling very positive about the season ahead."
'The Bison'
The Accra-born player started his career in France with SC Bastia, who signed him from Ghanaian club Liberty Professionals FC in 2000. Converted from a defender to a central midfield player, he earned comparisons to Patrick Vieira and a move to Olympique Lyonnais in 2003, where he won domestic titles in successive seasons before moving on to Chelsea for a substantial fee in 2005. He has won a Premier League title, an FA Cup and a League Cup since moving to London, and has been affectionately nicknamed 'The Bison'.
'One of the best'
"Since we signed Michael in 2005 he has been a fantastic player for Chelsea," said chief executive Peter Kenyon, while new manager Scolari also praised the 2006/07 Chelsea fans' Player of the Season. "I have not been here long but it is clear to me that Michael Essien is one of the best midfield players in the world," he said. "I have always admired him and it is good news for me and for Chelsea that he [has signed for] so long." The beaten 2007/08 UEFA Champions League finalists will kick off their campaign in the group stage this season.