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Essien signs 'important contract'

Friday, June 4, 2010

Michael Essien hailed "one of the most important contracts of my career" after signing a two-year extension to his Chelsea FC deal that keeps him at Stamford Bridge until 2015.

Michael Essien has not played for Chelsea in 2010
Michael Essien has not played for Chelsea in 2010 ©Getty Images

Ghanaian international midfielder Michael Essien has put pen to paper on a two-year contract extension that ties him to Chelsea FC until 2015.

Essien arrived at Stamford Bridge from Olympique Lyonnais in 2005 and has since made 116 Premier League appearances, but has not played for his club this year because of a torn hamstring. The 27-year-old has subsequently been ruled out of his country's FIFA World Cup campaign but says he is delighted Chelsea have shown "very big confidence and interest in me".

He added: "I am looking forward to coming back and enjoying my football and winning more trophies with the club. That is why I am here. I think it is one of the most important contracts in my career." Chelsea won both the Premier League and FA Cup this season and will start next term in the UEFA Champions League group stage.

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