Former Ghana midfielder Michael Essien has explained why he turned down the chance to become the Black Stars’ assistant coach.
Before Otto Addo was reappointed on a three-year deal after Chris Hughton’s dismissal, reports suggested that the Ghana Football Association (GFA) had offered Essien the role.
However, he rejected the offer, and the GFA instead appointed John Paintsil and Joseph Laumann as Addo’s assistants.
Essien, who is currently an assistant coach at Danish club FC Nordsjaelland, said he did not feel ready for the job.
“I would not say I refused, but I was just not ready for that job,” he told Sporty FM.
“I was approached by Otto Addo and the president [Kurt Okraku], but I felt I was not ready,” he added.
Although Essien never won a major trophy with Ghana as a player, he is still hopeful that the team will achieve success in the future.
“It’s sad I couldn’t win any trophy during my time with the Black Stars, but I am convinced the team will win a trophy soon.”
Meanwhile, following Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON),Joseph Laumann has been replaced by Desmond Ofei as one of the assistant coaches.
Ghanaian striker Antoine Semenyohas named Michael Essien as the greatest Ghanaian footballer to have played in the English Premier League.
Over the years, several Ghanaian stars, including John Paintsil, John Mensah, Sulley Muntari, Tony Yeboah, the late Christian Atsu, and Essien himself, have featured in England’s top flight.
During a rapid-fire Q&A session with BR Football, Semenyo—who has been in fine form for AFC Bournemouth this season—didn’t hesitate to pick Essien, a two-time Premier League winner, as the standout Ghanaian to grace the league.
Essien enjoyed a stellar nine-year spell at Chelsea, cementing his status as a club legend and winning multiple trophies, including the UEFA Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup.
Meanwhile, Semenyo recently made his 50th appearance for Bournemouth, becoming only the second Ghanaian to achieve consecutive double figures in goals and assists in English football.
The forward has been pivotal for the Cherries this season, netting seven Premier League goals and adding two more in the FA Cup, helping his side reach the tournament’s quarterfinals.
Semenyowill be looking to maintain his impressive form when Bournemouth takes on Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.
Ghanaian football legend Michael Essien has made a surprising statement, saying that if he had to choose, he would pickThomas Parteyover himself at their best playing years.
Essien, who played for Ghana in the 2006 and 2014 World Cups held in Germany and Brazil, is considered one of the country’s greatest footballers.
During his career, he achieved major success with Chelsea, winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League.
Speaking in an interview with Sporty FM, Essien praised Partey’s outstanding skills and admitted that he would prefer the Arsenal midfielder over himself in his prime.
“Between myself and Thomas Partey in our primes, I don’t think I would pick myself. I would go for Partey. He is a fantastic midfielder, you know,” Essien stated.
“I will never put myself ahead of Thomas Partey. It is two different generations, so I will put Partey ahead. He is that guy I love and I speak to him now and then,” he added.
Thomas Partey started his professional football journey with Atlético Madrid in 2015 and soon established himself as one of the top defensive midfielders of his time. During his spell at the club, he won major trophies, including La Liga, the UEFA Europa League, and the UEFA Super Cup.
His outstanding performances earned him a €50 million transfer to Arsenal in 2020.
Since joining the English club, the 31-year-old has been an important part of the team, playing over 100 Premier League matches and helping them win the FA Community Shield.
Chelsea and Ghana football legend Michael Essienhas acknowledged the challenges that come with coaching.
Widely regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders of his generation, Essien transitioned into coaching after a 20-year playing career. He received a call from Tom Vernon, the founder of one of Ghana’s top football academies, which led him to this new path.
Since 2020, Essien has served as the assistant coach for Danish top-flight club FC Nordsjaelland (FCN). He has said that his experience with former managers has been invaluable in shaping his coaching career.
In an interview with the BBC, the 2012 Champions League winner discussed how his coaching journey has deepened his understanding of the frustrations faced by Jose Mourinho.
“I had some great, great managers that I was lucky to work under. I learnt a few things from Jose and from Ancelotti—his calmness and how he manages his players, the way he tried to put his arms around his players. Now I understand a bit more why Jose would get angry,” Essien told the BBC.
Essien, however, has no immediate plans to leave Nordsjaelland in search of managerial opportunities but is also not ruling out the possibility of becoming a head coach in the future, as football has always been a central part of his life.
“I’m not thinking about being a head coach. Not yet. But when I get there, I will develop my style of play around the FCN model of what we’re doing here. I have a few more years to go. Let’s see. Maybe I will get there.
“When I was playing, I never thought I would jump into this journey. But coming to the end of my career, I was thinking one day, ‘I’ve done football my whole life, and I think that’s what I do best. I should start doing something just to keep my routine going,’” he further added.
Iconic former midfielder for the Black Stars, Michael Essien has opened up about the injury challenges he faced throughout his football career and how they influenced his journey.
He revealed that most of his serious injuries happened while playing for Ghana’s national team, which had a significant effect on his career path.
Despite these setbacks, the ex-Chelsea star expressed no regrets about his time representing the national side.
In a recent interview with Fentuo Tahiru Fentuo from JoyNews, Essien acknowledged that injuries were a tough aspect of his career, but he remains untroubled by them.
“Most of my bad injuries happened when I was playing for the Black Stars, but I don’t hold any grudges. I was just unlucky,” he said, as reported by JoySports on X.
Essien earned his UEFA Licence A in 2023 and is now an assistant manager at Nordsjaelland FC in Denmark.
At 42, he has been with Nordsjaelland since 2020, where he has been gaining valuable experience while completing his coaching qualifications.
In March 2024, he was a candidate for the head coach position of the Black Stars, but the Ghana Football Association ultimately opted for Otto Addo instead.
Essien retired from professional football in 2020, two years after stepping back from international play.
Former Ghanaian internationalMichael Essien has shared that his record transfer fee from Olympique Lyon to Chelsea raised eyebrows at the time.
Essien made the move to Chelsea for £24.4 million, making him the club’s most expensive signing during the 2005 transfer window.
While the transfer fulfilled a lifelong dream for Essien, there was widespread criticism over the hefty fee the club paid for him.
Now, 19 years after his arrival at Stamford Bridge, Essien reflected on how he was driven to prove his critics wrong by putting in the hard work under Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho.
“My dream was to play in the Premier League, and when the opportunity came, I jumped on it. It was great to represent Ghana in the Premier League,” Essien said.
“It was a big transfer move at the time. Those who didn’t know me questioned whether I was worth the money. But it was up to me to show it. Mourinho gave me all the confidence.
It was very physical at that time, and that was my focus. It was very hard to adapt, but I showed that, and quickly the fans fell in love with me, and the rest is history.”
Essien enjoyed a successful spell at Chelsea, winning two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, the League Cup, and the UEFA Champions League.
Recent court documents have revealed significant details about the legal proceedings involving former Ghanaian football star, Michael Essien, and the Republic Bank Limited concerning the recovery and auction of his properties.
The Commercial Division of the Accra High Court has issued orders for the sale of two prime properties owned by Essien, located in prestigious areas of Accra.
The properties in question include House Number 9 at Stephen Quarshie Crescent, East Legon, and House Number 204/205 at Trassaco (Phase 2) Adjiringano.
These properties have been the subject of a legal dispute stemming from a $2.1 million mortgage contract between Essien, his wife Akosua Puni Essien, and Athena Real Estate Company Limited, and the Republic Bank.
According to reports from Gh Gossip 24, the lawsuit was initiated by Republic Bank Limited on September 23, 2020. The bank sought various reliefs, including an order to take possession of the properties with police escort assistance and a mandate to sell off the Trassaco property.
In response to the lawsuit, the respondents, including Michael Essien and the other parties, applied for an out-of-court settlement on October 28, 2020.
This led to the court setting aside the initial orders requested by Republic Bank. The out-of-court negotiations revealed that Essien’s mortgage debt as of July 21, 2020, amounted to $2,164,345.80, which increased to $2,310,343 due to accrued interest.
Under the terms of the agreement reached in February 2021 and approved by Justice Afi Agbanu Kudomor, the parties agreed that Essien would cover legal fees, survey costs, and other expenses associated with recovering the properties.
The agreement also stipulated efforts to secure a buyer for the Trassaco property, a luxurious five-bedroom house valued at over $20 million.
The property, described as having amenities such as a swimming pool, cinema, and gym, has been listed on both Republic Bank’s website and real estate platforms like Meqasa.com for approximately GH₵ 225,000,000 ($14,745,584.25).
The agreement includes provisions for a potential reduction in price if the property remains unsold after six months.
The resolution of the case hinges on successful sale attempts within 12 months, failing which the matter may return to court for further adjudication.
The agreement also grants Republic Bank access to the properties upon execution, ceasing further interest calculations on the mortgage facility.
Chelsea legend Michael Essienhas expressed surprise at the club’s decision to part ways with Mauricio Pochettino, the Argentine coach.
Speaking in an interview, Essien expressed his belief that Pochettino was beginning to achieve success with the team and deserved the opportunity to continue.
He highlighted Chelsea’s history of frequent managerial changes, noting that during his nine-year stint at the club, there were eight different coaches.
From Essien’s viewpoint, Pochettino’s dismissal is regrettable because it means the players will now need to adapt to yet another new coach.
“Chelsea is a challenging environment for both players and managers. The team was coming together, playing good football towards the end of the season, but Poch was unlucky. I believe the new boss will lead them to where they want to be.
“I was at Chelsea for almost nine years, and we had eight managers, so it’s not an easy place for managers. Our era was different; we achieved great success, but this generation is different, and we must give them time to build and elevate the club to where it belongs.
“Everything the former manager implemented is now irrelevant, so they must start fresh. Luckily, the new manager will guide them through the pre-season. Chelsea deserves to be in the top three because of their historical achievements.
“We had tremendous success, so everyone expects to see us there. Securing a top-four finish would be a successful season for them, as it would give them the chance to compete in the Champions League. However, when you play for Chelsea, the goal is to win the tournament,” he said.
Chelsea and Mauricio Pochettino parted ways after just one season at Stamford Bridge, where the club finished sixth in the Premier League.
A statement from Chelsea released in May 2024 said, “Thank you tothe Chelsea ownership group and sporting directors for the opportunity. The club is now well-positioned to continue progressing in the Premier League and Europe in the years to come.”
Ghanaian football legend Michael Essien is confident that West Ham United forward Mohammed Kudus possesses the talent to become one of the world’s top players.
In an interview with TalkSport, the Chelsea legend expressed his belief that Mohammed Kudus is destined for greatness and will soon be among the best footballers in the world.
Michael Essien stated that he has high expectations for Kudus and is convinced that he will soon dominate the football scene.
“I rate him very highly, and he’s got everything to be at the top. He is a good footballer, and he has everything to go to the top,” Essien said.
Mohammed Kudus has recently been the focus of attention due to his response to criticism from social media users regarding his performance in Ghana’s match against the Central African Republic.
Following dissatisfaction with his display, some Ghanaians criticised Kudus, demanding better from him.
In response, Kudus reacted strongly, using language that upset some Ghanaians, including sports journalist Jeffrey Asare.
Jeffrey Asare strongly criticised Mohammed Kudus’ actions on social media following Ghana’s victory over the Central African Republic on Monday, June 10, 2024.
Asare emphasised that Kudus could jeopardise his potential if he does not maintain humility and respect towards Ghanaians.
He reminded Kudus that the Black Stars have seen more talented players in the past, citing Stephen Appiah as an example.
Asare noted that Appiah, who he believes accomplished more in football than Kudus, never showed disrespect towards Ghanaians.
“Kudus is average with the potential to be a top player in the future.
He can only become a top player if he has a good attitude. The national team belongs to Ghanaians, and none of the national team players can match Abedi Pele’s talent.
“You have the audacity to insult fans who criticise and appeal to you to release the ball early. The Black Stars have seen far better players than Kudus, who never insulted fans who criticised them.
If people are criticising you and you are a professional player worth your salt, you keep quiet.
“Stephen Appiah has never spoken back at Ghanaians because he is a mature player. Those who are advising him should counsel him well; otherwise, he won’t reach his full potential,” he said.
Former France midfielder Claude Makelele believes thatKobbie Mainoo shares similar attributes with Ghanaian legend Michael Essien.
The Manchester United midfielder, who has Ghanaian heritage, has been selected for the England squad for Euro 2024.
Mainoo had an exceptional season with the Red Devils, scoring the decisive goal in the FA Cup final. However, his spot in England’s starting eleven is not assured.
Nonetheless, Makelele thinks that a midfield partnership featuring 19-year-old Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham will be advantageous for the Three Lions.
“To complete England’s midfield, I would go for Rice, Bellingham, and this boy in Manchester [Mainoo]. He is very good, so young, but he has demonstrated that he can play.
He is young but has quality. I think he will add some spice to the midfield,” Makelele said in an interview with the Daily Mail.
The young player is frequently compared to former Dutch midfielder Clarence Seedorf, but Makelele sees more similarities to Michael Essien in Mainoo.
“I would say Michael Essien. He needs to learnmore from Michael Essien. He is young, you know, and he has a great future ahead of him,” he added.
Jose Mourinho and Michael Essien share a close bond akin to a father-and-son relationship, with Essien attributing much of his success to Mourinho.
Essien rose to prominence and endeared himself to Chelsea fans during the 2005–2006 Premier League season, where his pivotal role contributed significantly to the club’s triumph.
Mourinho played a key role in assembling a formidable squad at Chelsea, which included African talents like Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou, and John Obi-Mikel, alongside Essien.
However, it’s noteworthy that Essien stands out as the only player among them to have played under Mourinho at both Chelsea and Real Madrid, underscoring the special connection between them.
He said, albeit playfully, that, he sometimes had to stop Essien from referring to him as ‘daddy’ due to the closeness of their age gap. “Every time I go to Africa, I cannot walk. The guys, they love me. Even in Europe, many of the African guys love me. And to be honest, I love the guys and I feel that the African player is very loyal and very pure.
Many of them call me Daddy, and some of them are almost my age. When Essein calls me daddy, I say, ‘Come on, Michael, don’t call me daddy; you are almost my age,” he said.
Michael Essien attributes much of his success to Jose Mourinho, with whom he shares a father-and-son-like relationship. Essien’s rise to fame and adoration among Chelsea fans coincided with his pivotal role in the club’s 2005–2006 Premier League triumph.
Signed by Mourinho, Essien was part of a cohort of talented African players at Chelsea, including Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou, and John Obi-Mikel, all of whom significantly contributed to the manager’s success.
Notably, Essien stands out as the only player among them to have played under Mourinho at both Chelsea and Real Madrid, highlighting the unique bond between them.
Former Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi shared insights into Michael Essien’s career, revealing that the Ghanaian player faced recurring injuries primarily attributed to the weight of his thighs.
Mikel, who was Essien’s teammate at Chelsea, disclosed this information on his podcast. According to Mikel, the medical team at Chelsea conveyed to Essien that the strain on his knees resulted from the substantial weight of his thighs.
Mikel further explained that Essien experienced an improvement in his fitness consistency when he began shedding weight in his upper body.
This adjustment appeared to contribute positively to Essien’s overall physical well-being, addressing the challenges posed by the weight on his thighs and its impact on his knees.
“He was always injured. The doctors said your weight on your knees, the weight of your thighs are so heavy that your knees can’t hold them. When you look at Michael, his thighs are massive and when you look at his knees, the knees are that tiny. Then it makes sense what the doctor said. So he kept having reoccurring injuries until he started to lose the upper body to give his knees some rest and the freedom to be able to move.”
Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has recommended the National Blood Service management for prosecution by the Attorney General. This decision stems from procurement breaches highlighted in the 2022 Auditor General’s report.
The report revealed that the National Blood Service engaged in procurement activities exceeding GH¢130,000 without following proper procedures, which included the failure to seek alternative quotations.
James Klutse Avedzi, the Chairman of the Committee, announced this recommendation during the PAC session in Accra on Tuesday. Avedzi emphasised the seriousness of the infractions, specifically pointing out the lack of competitive procurement practices within the National Blood Service.
The call for prosecution underscores the committee’s commitment to addressing and rectifying these breaches for accountability and transparency in public procurement processes.
Former Chelsea player, Mikel Obi, has shed light on the reasons his Ghanaian counterpart, Michael Essien, suffered a lot of injuries during his stay at the club.
In an interview, Mikel Obi pointed to an ACL injury—a tear or sprain of the anterior cruciate (KROO-she-ate) ligament (ACL)—one of the strong bands of tissue that help connect your thigh bone (femur) to your shinbone (tibia).
He noted that due to Essien’s massive thighs, his knees could not withstand so much movement while on the field, making him prone to injuries.
“I remembered a certain teammate, Michael Essien, who suffered similar thing. He was always injured and it was always ACL. He had them on both news. I think then the doctor said your weight on your thighs, your thighs are heavy to carry… Your knees cannot hold them. If you look at Michael, his thighs are massive. But then when you look at his knees, his knees are that tiny and then it made sense,” he said.
Mikel Obi added that “until he started losing the upper body to give his knees the rest, then it started to work much better for him. It is so sad when you see players go through this.”
Essien’s football journey began in his home country, Ghana, where he played for Liberty Professionals. Essien moved to Europe and started his professional career with SC Bastia in France during the 2000-2001 season. His performances quickly attracted attention.
In 2003, Essien joined Olympique Lyonnais (Lyon) in Ligue 1. He played a key role in Lyon’s dominance in French football, winning multiple league titles.
In 2005, Essien made a high-profile move to Chelsea FC in the English Premier League for a then-club record fee.
He became a vital part of Chelsea’s midfield, known for his athleticism, versatility, and powerful playing style.
Essien won multiple domestic and international titles during his time with Chelsea, including the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.
Essien had a loan spell with Real Madrid during the 2012-2013 season, where he reunited with his former Chelsea manager, Jose Mourinho.
After leaving Chelsea, Essien joined AC Milan in Serie A for the 2014-2015 season. He had brief stints with Panathinaikos in Greece and Indonesian club Persib Bandung before retiring from professional football.
Essien represented the Ghana national team, earning caps in multiple Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and FIFA World Cup tournaments. He played a crucial role in Ghana’s run to the 2010 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals.
After retiring from professional football, Essien has been involved in various activities, including coaching and ambassadorial roles.
Michael Essien is widely regarded as one of Ghana’s greatest football exports and had a successful career at top clubs in Europe.
Former Ghana midfielder Michael Essien has disclosed that he was on the verge of joining Liverpool before ultimately signing with Chelsea in 2005.
Essien, who had been playing for French club Olympique Lyon, visited Liverpool’s training ground, Melwood, to meet then-manager Gerard Houllier.
However, he eventually chose to join Chelsea and play under Jose Mourinho.
“I had a lot of offers. I was close to signing for Liverpool when Gerard Houllier was their coach. I even went to Melwood to meet the coach,” he said.
“We had a talk, and I returned to France, but the offers were still coming from PSG, Marseille and a few others. But, I told Bastia I didn’t want to move, and they also didn’t want to sell me at that time because they wanted me to stay for another year, which was fine with me.
“I thought it was too early to move to England. That was why I joined Lyon and later moved to Chelsea under Mourinho. Lyon was my favourite team when I went to France because they were winning everything. I told my agent that if Lyon have come into the picture, I’d like to join them,” he added.
Essien went on to have a successful career with Chelsea, winning multiple trophies during his nearly 10-year tenure with the club. He went on to play for Real Madrid, AC Milan and a host of other European clubs.
Arsenal fans have hailed Thomas Partey as the new Michael Essien after the Ghanaian midfielder put in a dominant display in the Community Shield victory over Manchester City on Sunday.
Partey was instrumental in Arsenal’s 4-1 win on penalties after the game ended 1-1 in regulation time at Wembley. He bossed the midfield with his physicality, passing, and tackling, and also provided the assist for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s opening goal.
The 29-year-old, who joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in 2020 for a club-record fee of £45 million, has been compared to Chelsea and Ghana legend Essien, who is widely regarded as one of the best African midfielders of all time.
Essien, who won two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, one League Cup, and one Champions League with Chelsea, was known for his versatility, energy, and long-range goals. He also played for Lyon, Real Madrid, AC Milan, and other notable clubs in his illustrious career.
Some Arsenal fans took to social media to claim that Partey is even better than Essien, citing his football intelligence and technical ability. One fan tweeted: “Thomas Partey’s football intelligence put him ahead of Micheal Essien.”
However, some Chelsea fans and a section of Ghanaians disagreed with the comparison, arguing that Essien achieved more in his career and was a more complete player. One fan wrote: “Essien was a beast in his prime. Partey is good but not on his level.”
The debate has generated a lot of interest among football lovers, especially those from Ghana, where both players are national heroes. Partey has represented Ghana at three Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and two World Cups, while Essien has played in four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and one World Cup.
Both players have also won individual awards, such as the BBC African Footballer of the Year for Essien in 2006 and the Ghana Player of the Year for Partey in 2018 and 2019.
Essien had a far better career. He did what he knew how to do so well. But make we take ball put ground paa de33 Partey dey ball. I feel there's something hindering him. He just is too relaxed and doesn't feel the need to explode. Essien on the contrary was a beast that will kill https://t.co/9bJlTLH2EP
Partey is yet to play the football Essien played at Lyon, some of these Twitter influencers shouldn't bore us with bollocks in the name of opinion Partey level no even catch Bernard Kumordzi sef😤 pic.twitter.com/JySReNUGSG
Partey isn’t even close to Rodri how much more Michael Essien Lol Charley let’s put this country man support aside and let’s talk about real football!!! https://t.co/4TaknmknDp
This is what i get from those who started watching football when doing anything for twitter engagements became a thing.
You’re entitled to your opinion but Read the room Obaa Hemma. No one is forcing you to be an influencer at everything. At least you spelt “Essien” well this… https://t.co/XyoLzEzvo5
Partey is yet to play the football Essien played at Lyon, some of these Twitter influencers shouldn't bore us with bollocks in the name of opinion Partey level no even catch Bernard Kumordzi sef😤 pic.twitter.com/JySReNUGSG
In the belief that giving is more fulfilling than receiving, supporting and giving back to society in any possible way is considered morally virtuous.
Foundations are established with the purpose of addressing societal issues and providing a reason for the less fortunate to experience joy.
In recent years, numerous Ghanaian footballers, both past and present, have engaged in extensive philanthropic work throughout the country, leveraging their success in local and international football.
However, undertaking the responsibility of catering to society’s basic needs and individuals is no easy feat. It demands unwavering commitment, dedication, and a genuine desire to serve others.
These are the five Ghanaian footballers who have established foundations and are positively transforming the lives of individuals and communities through their relentless efforts.
Asamoah Gyan: Through the Asamoah Gyan Foundation and Baby Jet Promotions, he supports the vulnerable, young boxers, and brings about positive change in marginalized communities.
Bernard Morrison: The Bernard Morrison Foundation focuses on giving hope to the less privileged in Sekondi-Takoradi, with a commitment to education, health, and solidarity.
Mark Adu Amofah: AA Sports International promotes sports, education, mentorship, and equal opportunities for children, regardless of gender.
Christian Atsu: He supports the Crime Check Foundation, providing aid to convicts and medical assistance to prisoners, with a strong focus on justice and humanitarian activities.
Michael Essien: The Michael Essien Foundation creates opportunities for underprivileged individuals, offering scholarships, healthcare, and initiatives like the Reading Girls Initiative to promote education and reading.
Michael Essien, the former Ghanaian international and Chelsea star, has chosen his former teammate Frank Lampard as the best player he has ever played alongside.
Essien and Lampard shared the pitch during their time at Chelsea, where they achieved notable success, including winningthe UEFA Champions League, the Premier League title, the FA Cup, the Community Shield, and the Football League Cup.
Essien joined Chelsea in 2005 after transferring from Olympique Marseille, while Lampard had joined the club from West Ham in 2001. Both players departed Chelsea at the conclusion of the 2013/2014 season.
Throughout their time together, they formed a formidable partnership on the field, leading Essien to regard Lampard as the finest player he has had the privilege of playing alongside.
According to Essien, he played with a lot and loved all his teammates, but his midfield partner Lampard is the best of them all.
“Everybody is my teammate. I love all my teammates; I mean it’s hard to choose. But I would go for Frank Lampard. I mean, being a midfielder that scores a lot of goals every season is quite amazing”, he told Goal Africa.
Essien. 40, had a successful playing career which saw him play for top European teams such as Bastia, Lyon, Chelsea, Real Madrid, AC Milan, Panathinaikos, Persib Bandung and Sabail where he ended his playing career
Currently, he is attached to Danish club Nordsjaelland, where he works as an assistant coach.
Mikel John Obi, a former Chelsea midfielder, has stated that Michael Essien earned the moniker “the train” at Chelsea for his extraordinary work ethic.
According to Mikel, the former Chelsea midfielder and teammate is not given the proper credit.
The former captain of Nigeria described Essien as a potent machine in an interview with Dubai Eye.
“He never gets the mention. He never gets the credit he deserves. We have been talking for the past what? And we haven’t mentioned him. He is the guy that we call the train in the training ground. He is a powerful machine, this guy. The way he trains as well. Every day he is there working, working and working.”
Obi further hailed Michael Essein‘s character outside of football.
“Apart from playing football. what a gentleman he is. And like I said, he is the train, he is the bison that’s what we call him.”
Essien joined Chelsea in 2006 while Mikel Obi a year later. They played together for 8 years until Essien departed Chelsea.
Essien was astonishing for Chelsea throughout the years he spent at the Blues. He is a Chelsea legend who won 9 trophies including the UEFA Champions League.
He won Chelsea player of the year once and two goal of the year awards.
Michael Essien, a legendary player for Chelsea, has commented on the praise that ex-teammate John Mikel Obi gave him.
Michael Essien’s work ethic and importance to the Chelsea team were praised in Mikel Obi’s interview with Dubai Eye.
According to Obi, Michael Essien deserves more respect from the football community since he considers himself to be among the finest in the world.
“He never gets the mention. He never gets the credit he deserves. We have been talking for the past what? And we haven’t mentioned him. He is the guy that we call the train in the training ground. He is a powerful machine, this guy. The way he trains as well. Every day he is there working, working and working.”
Obi further hailedMichael Essien’s character outside of football.
“Apart from playing football. what a gentleman he is. And like I said, he is the train, he is the bison that’s what we call him.”
Michael Essien in a Twitter reaction quoted the video of Obi’s confession with emoticons that represent appreciation, acknowledgment or prayers.
Essien joined Chelsea in 2006 while Mikel Obi a year later. They played together for 8 years until Essien departed Chelsea.
The two were involved in the Chelsea team that won the Champions League in 2013.
Michael Essien won nine trophies with The Blues and was one-time voted Chelsea Player of the Year.
Ghana made its first Globe Cup debut in 2006, and the Black Stars stunned the world with their roster of gifted players who made an impact in Germany.
Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari, Asamoah Gyan, Stephen Appiah, Habib Mohammed, Richard Kingston, John Mensah, and other outstanding players played for the Black Stars.
Almost all of the members of the team are currently retired and concentrating on other endeavours.
There are a few players who decided not to spend their retirement out of football as they have taken a career path into coaching. Becoming a coach right after football is increasingly becoming the norm for several players who tend to build another legacy in football.
Some players, who underachieved in their football careers, see the adventure as an avenue to right the wrongs in the quest to reach greater heights that they could not attain while playing.
On the other hand, those who had successful careers intend to reapply their tricks and impact the game from the touchline.
Below is a list of players from Ghana’s 2006 World Cup squad who are now coaches
Former England striker Daniel Sturridge has joined other football legends in congratulating Michael Essien on earning his UEFA License A.
After finishing the course, Michael Essien was awarded his UEFA License A.
The Chelsea legend has been doing his coaching attachment with the Danish side, FC Nordsjaelland for the past two years after completing his License B course in 2020.
Daniel Sturridge congratulated his former Chelsea teammate in a post on social media when wrote, “congrats bro” under Essien’s post.
Michael Essien, a former midfielder for the Black Stars, has finished the UEFA License A course.
After completing his License B course in 2020, the former Chelsea player has spent the last two years working as an assistant coach with FC Nordsjaelland in Denmark.
Michael Essien apparently completed his License A certificate programme while employed by FC Nordsjaelland, and he now holds the highest coaching credential in European football.
“Thank you to everyone who helped and supported me throughout the past two years getting my A license.
“I’m grateful to work in this Organisation RTD/FCN where I can continue to develop as a coach and person. It’s been a good experience and I appreciate everyone,” Michael Essien said in an interview quoted by footballghana.
Michael Essien finished his career playing for Lyon, Chelsea, Real Madrid, and AC as the second most successful Ghanaian player in Europe with 13 trophies including the UEFA Champions League.
Following Michael Essien’s statement that he has obtained a UEFA A coaching License, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has responded.
The legendary member of the Black Stars wrote in a message on social media on February 14 that he is thrilled to have obtained the licence.
He stated that he would keep putting in a lot of effort to develop as a coach.
“As a coach, I am developing and learning on the job. UEFA A and UEFA Elite Youth A licences completed with joy. We appreciate the assistance from the family, @fawales, my tutors, my mentor, and RTD/FCN. And a big thanks to Tom Vernon and Flemming Pedersen,” Michael Essien wrote in a tweet.
Commenting on the post byMichael Essien, the Ghana FA said, “Congratulations Essien.”
In a post on social media on Tuesday, February 14, the Black Stars legend said he is excited he has bagged the license.
According to him, he will continue to work hard to learn and grow as a coach.
“Step by step, I am learning and growing as a coach. Happy to have completed my UEFA A and UEFA Elite Youth A license. Thanks to the family, @fawales, my tutors, my mentor and RTD/FCN for the support. And big thank you to Tom Vernon and Flemming Pedersen,” a statement from Michael Essien on Twitter said.
Commenting on the post by Michael Essien, the Ghana FA said, “Congratulations Essien.”
Former Black Stars player Michael Essien is happy that winger Christian Atsu has been rescued from the rubble following a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck south-central Turkey,
31-year-old Christian Atsu was trapped in the debris of a collapsed 15-story building after an earthquake destroyed dozens of houses in Turkey on February 6, 2023, leaving thousands dead and injured
The news about Atsu’s rescue was happily received by Michael Essien who shared the dressing room with the winger during the 2014 FIFA World Cup took to Twitter to wish his brother well.
“Get well soon brother @ChristianAtsu20,” Michael Esshien wrote in a tweet .
Christian Atsu before his tragedy scored a 97th-minute winner for Hatayspor on Sunday, February 5, 2023, against Kasimpasa.
Essien is one of many Ghana players who have sent special messages to the winger who as per reports is receiving treatment in a Turkish hospital.
Stephen Appiah, Mubarak Wakaso, Asamoah Gyan, among others have expressed their relief over his situation and prayed that God heals him quickly.
The 2021 UEFA Champions League group stages fixture continue on Tuesday.
House-hold names like Michael Essien, Abedi Ayew Pele, all feature in the five-man list, as Ghana remain the African country with the most winners ever.
The full list is provided below.
1. Michael Essien – Chelsea (England)
“The Bison”, after narrowly losing out to English rivals Manchester United on penalties, and getting his hopes of trying again broken by the 2009 semi-final by Barcelona, lifted the trophy in 2012.
2. Sulley Muntari – Internazionale Milan (Italy)
Under the tutelage of manager, Jose Mourinho, Sulley Muntari and his Inter Milan team-mates like Etoo and Diego Milito, and Sneijder, were too much to handle for Bayern Munich in the 2010 final at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The fact that this Jose Mourinho Inter side won the treble, (Italian league, Italian cup, and the UCL) probably means no team in the world stood a chance against them, not even Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona as was proved in their semi-final lost to Inter, in whcih Muntari played a key role.
Abedi Ayew, father of current Black Stars players, Dede Ayew and Jordan Ayew, was the first Ghanaian player to win the elite club football competition.
He contributed heavily to Olympique Marseille’s only UEFA Champions League triumph in 1993 season when the competition’s name and format was changed from European Cup to UEFA Champions League.
Former Ghana International, Abedi Ayew Pele. Source: Twitter/@KobbyKyeiSports Source: Twitter
4. Samuel Osei Kuffour – Bayern Munich (Germany)
Osei Kuffuor is notably remembered for his agony after Bayern Munich dramatically lost out to Manchester United in the final of the 1999 UEFA Champions League at the Camp Nou.
He probably would not have made a fuss about that defeat if he knew that he would taste victory in two years time, as Bayern Munich edged Valencia in a shootout thanks to some remarkable defense of Kuffour and Oliva Khan combined.
5. Ibrahim Tanko – Borussia Dortmund (Germany)
Many young Ghanaian football fans memory of the last Dortmund UEFA Champions League might be of the ‘black and yellow’s 2:1 lose to Bayern Munich in 2013.
However before that recent defeat, Borrusia Dortmund beat Italian giants Juventus to win their only UEFA Champions League triumph in 1997.
Ghana’s Ibrahim Tanko was a part of Dortmund’s squad that year but could not make the match-day squad due to injuries.
The striker made just three appearances in Dortmund’s quest, which earned him a winner’s medal.
17-year-old Dreams FC lad scoring stunner only in GPL
Issahaku Fatawu is bidding his time till he is 18 years old and can make his move to Primeira Liga side, Sporting Lisbon in Portugal.
While he waits though, the 17-year-old is raising his stock market with headlining performances week in week out for Dreams FC.
Ghana legend, Michael Essien has disclosed that he is the only one among his retired playing mates that can still play professional football.
It must, however, be emphasised that he said this on a lighter note during an engagement with FIFA.
In a video shared by the world football governing body on social media, the former Chelsea man has selected his best players at the Qatar tournament.
According to Michael Essien, his best goalkeeper at the tournament is Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
He chooses Raphael Varane as his best defender and Jude Bellingham as his preferred midfielder amongst the lot.
For his most skilled player, Michael Essien said he has no doubt it is world great and Argentina poster boy Lionel Messi.
When asked which retired player he believes will still be able to play professional football, the ex-Black Stars midfield enforcer said he can only bet on himself as he burst into laughter.
Former Ghana international, Michael Essien is one of five oldest players to have ever scored for Persib Bandung in Indonesia.
The former Chelsea FC midfield enforcer joined the Indonesia club at the end of the 2015/2016 season where he played for Panathinaikos in the Greek top-flight league.
On September 24, 2017, Michael Essien featured for Persib Bandung in a match against Bhayangkara FC in Liga 1.
At the time, the legendary Black Stars midfielder was 34 years 9 months 21 days.
In a look into the archives of the Indonesian clubs focusing on players that have ever scored for the team, Michael Essien has been identified as the 5th oldest player to have ever equalized for the team.
The other old players in the list include;
Vladimir Vujovic
Esteban Vizcarra
Supardi
Victor Igbonefo
Michael Essien who is no retired has ventured into coaching and is now working with FC Nordsjaelland in Denmark.
Michael Essien has congratulated former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema for winning the 2022 Ballon d’Or.
On Monday, the French striker won the prestigious individual award for the first time after helping Real Madrid to emerge champions of Spain and Europe.
The 34-year-old impressively scored 44 goals in 46 matches and was the top scorer in both La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.
For his reward, he was crowned the Ballon d’Or winner ahead of Bayern Munich’s Sadio Mane and Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne.
Essien, who played with Benzema at Madrid under Jose Mourinho, took to social media to congratulate the Frenchman on his achievement.
“You deserve the Ballon d’Or. Congratulation Mon Karim Benzema,” the ex-Ghana international wrote on Twitter.
Meanwhile, Benzema said winning the Ballon d’Or makes him proud, insisting he is proud of his career journey.
“This makes me really proud, all the work I did, I never gave up. I had two role models in my life, Zidane and Ronaldo as well,” he said.
“I always had this dream in my mind that everything’s possible. There was a difficult period where I wasn’t in the French team but I worked hard and never gave up, kept my head down and enjoyed playing football.”
The striker added: “I’m really proud of my journey here, it wasn’t easy, it was difficult, for me and my family. Age is just a number for me. People play until their later years now and I still have this burning desire.
“It is this drive that has kept me going and never allowed me to let up. It kept this dream alive and was the fire behind me. I just want to make the most of it.”
Benzema has become the oldest player to win the Ballon d’Or at the age of 34.
Former Ghana international, Michael Essien, has congratulated former team mate, Karim Benzema, after the latter was awarded the 2022 Ballon d’Or on Monday, October 17.
“You deserve the Ballon d’Or,” Essien tweeted with an accompanying photo of himself and the Real Madrid star during warmup session during Essien’s loan stint with Madrid.
Benzema was widely expected to win the gong that was won last year by Paris Saint Germain’s Lionel Messi.
Benzema was awarded the 2022 Ballon d’Or in a ceremony that took place in Paris, his victory came months after the Los Blancos won their 14th Champions League trophy in the French capital.
A Marca report satsted: Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, who is Benzema‘s most loyal supporter, was there to witness the moment. The two men met 14 years ago in Benzema’s living room in Lyon.
The Ballon d’Or awarded has been handed to Real Madrid players a total of twelve times, matching Barcelona’s figures. The former Los Blancos players who received the prize in the past were Alfredo Di Stefano, Raymond Kopa, Luis Figo, Ronaldo Nazario, Fabio Cannavaro, Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric, the report added.
Former Ghana International and Chelsea star Michael Essien will join his former teammate, Branislav Ivanović to help in the 2021/22 UEFA Champions League group stage draw which would be held on Thursday, August 26, 2021.
The pair are the special guests and will assist in the draw which is made up of 32 football clubs across Europe.
Both Essien and Ivanović won the UEFA Champions League with Chelsea in 2012 after defeating Bayern Munich.
The Ghanaian who plied his trade with the likes of Olympique Lyonnais, Real Madrid AC Milan and other clubs before calling time on his career is now an assistant coach with Danish-side FC Nordsjælland.
Four clubs qualified from the top four leagues which is made up of England, Spain, Italy and Germany, while clubs from Portugal and France got two slots each. Seven other countries were given one slot while six clubs from other countries had to battle for 3 slots.
Chelsea won the Champions League for the second time after beating Manchester City 1-0 in the final to lift their second glorious trophy in the tournament last season.
The fixtures for the Champions League has been slated for September 14 with the final coming off at the Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg on Saturday, May 28, 2022.
Michael Essien has received a lot of stick on his Instagram page after he openly declared his support for the LGBTQ community in Ghana.
He wrote: “We see you, we hear you, we support you. Our LGBTQIA plus Community in Ghana. #ghanasupportequality ????????????????”
Homosexuality is a forbidden topic in Ghana and country president Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has categorically stated it will not be legalized in the country.
An exasperated fan wrote: “You just lost your one follower, good luck, byee.”
Aikins_Lucky also wrote: “Am unfollowing u right away Kojo”.
Former Black Stars midfielder Michael Essien has become the first football star in the country to openly declare support for the Lesbians, Gays, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ+) group in Ghana.
Essien in a social media post assured the group of his support and urged to continue fighting for their rights.
“We see you, we hear you, we support you. Our LGBTIA community in Ghana,†a post on the Black Stars legend reads.
The post was however deleted after it attracted backlash from some Ghanaians on the platform.
LGBTQ+ continues for be a raging topic on Ghanaian media platforms despite the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo being emphatic on his position that under no circumstance will same-sex relationship be legalized in the country.
The President who had come under pressure from religious institutions said that homosexuality will not be legalized under his watch.
“It will not be under the presidency of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo that same sex marriage will be legalized in Ghana, it will never happen in my time as president,†he stressed.
New Arsenal acquisition Thomas Partey has set his sight on replicating the success in England of compatriot and former Chelsea star Michael Essien.
Partey joined the Gunners in a sensational Transfer Deadline Day deal in September, signing from Spanish outfit Atletico Madrid.
Essien played for Chelsea between 2005 and 2014, winning eight major titles, including the Champions League.
“He [Essien] a fantastic midfielder. He fights for every ball, he’s a great legend. For me, he’s one of the best midfielders that we’ve ever had in Africa,” Partey said, as reported by his new club’s official website.
“I think we’ve all seen what he has done at Chelsea, what he has done for the Black Stars and for me, he’s my idol.
“I grew up watching Michael Essien, [Sulley] Muntari, the Ayew brothers – they are the people I look up to and they made a lot of impact on Ghanaians. I think this is my moment and I have to make sure I take it.”
Winning the 2012 Champions League undoubtedly sits at the top of Essien’s achievements with Chelsea. In addition, he clinched two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, one League Cup, and one Community Shield with the Blues.
“Now most of the young guys are looking up to me and I think I have to do my best to make sure I get them to support this great family [at Arsenal],” Partey added.
“When they support me, they’re going to feel good when they see us play.”
Partey, who won the Europa League in 2018 and Uefa Super Cup in 2019 – both with Atletico Madrid – has made a combined five appearances in all competitions for Arsenal so far.
The 27-year-old currently faces a spell on the sidelines after picking up a thigh injury while in Premier League action for the Gunners on Sunday, leading to his substitution at half-time.
His fitness setback has forced him out of Ghana’s double-header against Sudan in the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
It is currently unclear if he will be fit in time for Arsenal’s trip to Leeds United on November 22 after the ongoing international break.
FC Nordsjaelland head coach Flemming Steen Pedersen says he is confident the addition of Michael Essien to the coaching staff of the club will help improve the players.
Last week, the Danish Superliga outfit confirmed that the Chelsea legend has joined their coaching staff for the 2020/2021 football season.
Speaking on the arrival of the Ghana great after a few training sessions together, Coach Flemming Steen Pedersen has noted that Essien will be key for the team in the next year.
“Michael Essien is not educated yet, but he has a lot of ‘silent knowledge’, as we call it. When he plays with and moves on the field, he naturally directs with our players, and they get a lot of input. We cannot do that as coaches, so there is a big difference thereâ€, Pedersen said in an interview.
Explaining why adding a former player to the coaching staff of FC Nordsjaelland is important, the gaffer further noted that Michael Essien will help develop the players.
“We have always looked for a former professional player for the coaching staff because it is important that we have someone who has tried everything before.
“He will be able to go into training duels because it’s not just about being physically strong. There is also timing and technique in it, so there he will be of great benefit, and in general, he will contribute a lot of small improvements to the playersâ€, coach Pederson added.
The Confederation of African Football have sent a message of goodwill to former Ghana international Michael Essien as he begins his role as assistant coach of Danish outfit FC Nordsjaelland.
The 37-year-old Chelsea legend was named as part of the Super Liga side’s technical team ahead of the 2020/21 season, which begins this weekend.
“The Bison taking his first steps into coaching. Good luck Michael!,” they wrote on their official Twitter handle.
Essien, who visited the club last month on a special invitation of the club President Tom Veron, has now agreed to join the coaching staff of the club.
The ex-Chelsea star, who is currently taking the final stages of acquiring his coaching badges with the English FA, has now agreed a contract to be one of the assitant coaches of the club.
He will join the staff in an assistant role and will participate in the trainings alongside the players to help implement the drills and ideas in the best possible way.
The former Real Madrid and Lyon midfielder will also contribute with new input to coaching group evaluations of the training session afterwards.
🐃 The Bison taking his first steps into coaching 👏
Former Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien has joined a tall list of African stars to sympathise with victims of the Beirut blast on Tuesday.
At least 100 people are reported dead in a massive explosion that rocked  the Lebanese capital of Beirut on Tuesday evening, leaving dozens dead and thousands injured.
The blast has been linked to a large supply of confiscated and potentially unsecured explosive material, stored in a warehouse at the city’s port, close to populated areas.
As world leaders and international organizations step in to offer assistance, local officials are also launching an investigation into the blast.
As day breaks in Lebanon, authorities are scrambling to treat the wounded, search for survivors, and assess the full extent of the damage.
And former Ghana and Chelsea star Michael Essien has joined other African football stars to sympathise with the victims.
“We pray for Lebanon.” the 37-year-old posted on Instagram.
Beirut has awoken to a new sense of vulnerability this morning the day after one of the most shocking events to have struck the city.
Former Ghana midfielder, Michael Essien has backed Thomas Partey to move to the Premier League this summer.
Partey, 27, has been constantly linked to Arsenal this summer despite the interest from Manchester United, Inter Milan, Napoli and PSG.
As Footballghana.com has reported, the Ghana midfielder is desperate to move to the Premier League with Arsenal likely to be his next destination.
Mikel Arteta’s side are looking to offload two or three players to land the midfielder.
But according to Essien, who played for Chelsea in the Premier League, the dynamic midfielder will suit the Premier League.
“Thomas [Partey] is such a good player. I’d have loved to play with him,” Essien explained, as quoted by Goal.
“He is a young and talented player making waves in Europe. He is one player I’d liked to play alongside but it will never happen.
“It is their time at the Black Stars now so we have to support them and hopefully they can take it from where we left off.”
However, former Tottenham Hotspurs right back, Kieran Trippier speaking last month told the Beautiful Game podcast that Partey style will suit the Premier League.
“I’d seen him play for Atletico but I didn’t realise how good he is.
“He’s unbelievable, his physicality, how he breaks up play. Technically he’s got everything.
“He ranks as one of the best midfielders I’ve played with, but Mousa [Dembele] is Mousa and he’s on a different planet that guy. Even in training, he was in cruise control.
“Thomas is still a very young player and everyone loves him out here.
“Going to the Premier League who knows? Obviously I want him to stay here because he’s a valuable member to our team.
“He speaks perfect English, very good English. I don’t think he’d have a problem with the Premier League.”
French Ligue 1 giants Olympique Lyon has posted a video on social media to engage their fans on their views about their former midfielder Michael Essien.
The Ghanaian International played two seasons for Lyon between 2003- 2005.
He won the best player in the Ligue 1 in his second season before joining English Premier League giants Chelsea.
Michael Essien featured in all but one league match as Lyon were crowned champions for the fourth straight season and it was his second league title with the French outfit.
He complimented his assertive performances with three goals as a defensive midfielder in that season.
Cameroon international Petrus Boumal says he would love to play with former Chelsea ace Michael Essien.
Boumal is a regular for the Russian Premier League side Ural FC, making 11 appearances in all competitions this season so far.
The 27-year-old disclosed that he idolised two former Chelsea stars Claude Makelele and Michael Essien when growing up.
The central midfielder has expressed his desire to line-up alongside the aforementioned duo.
“Makelele and Essien are two players I really loved. I loved watching their style of play, how they move, how they tackle and how they attack the ball.
“They maintained the balance between attackers and defenders. They played for Chelsea and since they played there, I really loved Chelsea.
“I watch their games and support them. It is the best team for me.â€
Former Ghana midfielder Michael Essien has shared an incredible insight into his time at French side SC Bastia.
Essien started his career playing for Ghana Premier League side Liberty Professionals.
Now 37, Essien had a trial at English Premier League giants Manchester United but due to lack of work permit, the move did not materialize.
In 2000, he moved to France to join SC Bastia, where he would spend three seasons and appear in over 60 matches before joining then Ligue 1 title holders Lyon in 2003. At Lyon, Essien won back-to-back league titles in 200304 and 200405, and won Ligue 1 Player of the Year in 2005.
The ‘Bison’ as he is affectionately called recounted his humble beginning at Bastia, where he was converted into a versatile midfielder.
“When I moved to Bastia it was difficult because that was the first time I moved away from my mum to a different country. I was really attached to her so it was difficult but I didn’t think about that because I knew it’s a big opportunity for me to make a career in Europe,” Essien said on ConvosWithCarol which was monitored by GHANASoccernet.com
“I remember they signed me for six months to monitor my development and luckily enough I was drafted into the first team. The coach really liked me but he had an issue with me because I couldn’t speak French so he spoke to the management team to force me to learn the language. I took my French classes after every training session with this English professor so it became easy for me to grasp the language.”
“I continued training with the first team in the morning, sometimes for ten minutes but it was a really good learning curve. In the evening I’ll train with the reserve side. I went to France as a centre-back. It’s a position I’d played during my formative years but at Bastia I was tried in a lot of positions.”
“I moved to midfield in my first year at the club. I remember we had this game against Monaco at home and one of our midfielders got injured so the coach asked if I can play there and I said yes, I will. It was a big match at that time because Monaco were on top of the league table. They had all the big players but I didn’t blink when the coach asked me if I can play. Thankfully, I had one of my best games for Bastia that year. I established myself in the first team due to my versatility. I was playing midfield, right-back and centre-back.”
“I remember I played centre-back against Nantes. They had this striker who was the best in the league at the time but the coach told me to follow him everywhere he went and I did my job perfectly.”
“Unfortunately the coach left in the second year and we got a new coach [Robert Nouzaret]. During our pre-season, the coach said he will not deploy me in defense anymore because he wants move me into midfield and I agreed because all I wanted was to play football. That’s how I started to establish myself in the first team,” Essien said.
Essien spent nine years at Stamford Bridge after signing from Lyon in 2005 for a reported fee of £24.4m.
He won two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, a League Cup and a Champions League during his time at Chelsea.
Former Chelsea hero Michael Essien says it was a ‘great honour’ to play for the Black Stars of Ghana.
Essien announced his retirement from international football in 2018, after over 12 years of active service with Ghana.
The 37-year-old, who currently plies his trade with Azerbaijani side Sabail FK, last played for the West African giants in 2014 at the FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
He was one of the three players, alongside Sulley Muntari and Kevin-Prince Boateng, accused of masterminding the agitations for players appearance fees during the tournament.
“It was an honour to play for the Black Stars. It is the dream of every young footballer and thankfully I realized mine.”
“It was a pleasure to represent my country. I’m lucky because I’m the only player who has represented the country at every stage, starting from the U12, U15, U17, U20 to the Olympics Games with the U23 and straight to the Black Stars. I think I’ve done enough,” Essien told Carol Tshabalala.
Essien was asked if he is aware of the massive love Ghanaians have for him, he answered, “I hope so.”
He touched a bit on Stephen Appiah who captained the team to their maiden FIFA World Cup tournament in 2006.
“We looked up to Appiah during the 2006 World Cup qualifiers. He was a great leader and person. He united and urged us to do everything in our power to qualify the country to the World Cup.”
Essien made his Ghana debut in 2002 and boasts of 58 caps as well as nine goals.
He was a key member of the country’s golden generation that played their first-ever FIFA World Cup in 2006.
On 19th May, 2012, tough-tackling Ghanaian midfielder Michael Essien and his Chelsea side won the UEFA Champions League as they Blues stunned their more-fancied opponent Bayern Munich in the final at the Allianz Arena.
Although Michael Essien was an unused substitute in the final his impact in the London club was huge, having a key member of the team since his arrival in 2005.
Bayern Munich dominated play after they created countless of opportunities, but Chelsea held them to a 1-1 draw in regulation time to take the game to a penalty shootout and they emerged the better side as they beat the hosts 3-4.
Thomas Mueller’s late header put Bayern on the brink of victory on home territory but Didier Drogba levelled things up with a bullet header at the death before coolly converting the decisive spot-kick.
The tournament which gave Chelsea their greatest agony when they lost on penalties to Manchester United 2008 in Moscow delivered the greatest glory in their 107-year history.
Juan Mata missed Chelsea’s first penalty but David Luiz, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole were all successful. Philipp Lahm, Mario Gomez and goalkeeper Manuel Neuer were all on target for Bayern.
The momentum shifted decisively when Cech denied Ivica Olic and Bastian Schweinsteiger hit the post to leave Chelsea on the brink and present Drogba with his moment of destiny.
This was a victory in the mould of Chelsea’s semi-final win against Barcelona, built on resilience, discipline, defensive organisation and nerve at the crucial times and done without the suspended Terry, Branislav Ivanovic, Ramires and Raul Meireles.
Chelsea became the first London club to claim the European Cup. Six European capitals have produced a winner: Madrid (9), Amsterdam (4), Lisbon (2), Bucharest (1) and Belgrade (1).
Chelsea also emerged as the second side to win the FA Cup and the European Cup in the same season, along with Manchester United in their 1998-1999 Treble-winning season.
Ex-Chelsea star Michael Essien has made the stunning revelation that he came very close to joining Liverpool in 2002 but opted to remain with his former club Bastia.
Essien had attracted a lot of interest from stellar European sides after establishing himself as a firm staple for the French Ligue 1 outfit.
Head coach Robert Nouzaret’s decision to move from defence to central midfield paid dividends.
The ex-Ghana international’s partnership with Nicolas Dieuze and Cyril Jeunechamp helped the Corsica Island-based side finish in the the top 10 of the 2001-02 season and reach the final of the Coupe de France.
Liverpool’s French manager at that time, Gerard Houllier, was an admirer.
Essien confirms holding talks with Houllier at Melwood but felt the time was not right for a move.
“I had lot of offers. I was close to signing for Liverpool when Gerard Houllier was their coach,” the now 37-year-old, who plays for Azerbaijani side Sabail, said on ConvosWithCarol which was monitored by GHANASoccernet.com
”I even went to Melwood to meet the coach. We had a talk and I returned to France but the offers were still coming.
”PSG, Olympique Marseille et al, but I told Bastia I don’t want to move and they also didn’t want to sell me at that time because they wanted me to stay for another year which was fine with me because I also didn’t want to leave the club so I stayed for another season, that’s my third year with the club.
”Olympique Lyon joined the three aforementioned clubs to enquire about me but I thought it was too early to move to England.”
In 2003, Essien eventually joined two-time defending league champions Olympique Lyon in a €7.8 million transfer.
He spent two seasons at the Stade Gerland where he scored seven goals in 71 appearances.
Essien was voted the 2005 Player of the Year by France’s National Union of Professional Footballers (UNFP) and also named Ligue 1 Player of the Year.
He got nominated for the 2005 FIFA World Player of the Year Award where placed 22nd.
“Lyon were my favourite team when I went to France because they were winning everything I told my agent that if Lyon has come into the picture I’d like to join them.
”PSG were then serious about signing me to the extent that they made an offer. I was back home at that time and the call came that PSG had made a bid for me. It was even on the national television that I had signed for PSG which I had not because I was still in Ghana.
”There was a lot of controversy going on between the board and my agent so when I came went back to Bastia, we met with the board members and the president, and I told them I’d prefer to join Lyon though I liked Paris.
”I was really caught between PSG and Lyon but my preference was always Lyon. I had then spoken the president and their coach.
”I gave them my word that when I return from my holiday in Ghana I’ll do everything to sign for them but It was not easy.”
In the summer of 2005, Essien was signed by Jose  Mourinho’s Chelsea in a £24.4 million fee which made him the club’s most expensive signing of all-time at the time.
Ex-Ghana star Michael Essien has blamed Vahid Halilhodži? for his decision to pull the plugs in joining Paris Saint-Germain in 2003.
Essien blamed the Bosnian trainer for handing him a raw deal and rejecting him as a trialist when Halilhodži? was in-charge at Lille.
So when Les Parisiens came calling after an explosive three seasons with Bastia, also in the Ligue 1, he decided to pay back Halilhodži?.
“I turned down PSG because of their coach [Vahid Halilhodži?]. He was coaching Lille when I was with Bastia and I remember going to Lille but after four days I called my agent and told him I don’t want to be here,” Essien said on Carol Tsabalala’s ConvosWithCarol which was monitored by GHANASoccernet.com
“They didn’t give us the opportunity to train and he later told my agent that he had about twenty Michael Essiens in the reserve team. I moved to Bastia and I was doing well and he went to PSG and he wanted me there.”
Paris Saint-Germain made Bastia the best offer and it was accepted but the midfield icon had no love for the capital club.
”The PSG president was a big fan of me and he really wanted me so I told the board of my reasons for not wanting to sign for PSG but rather Lyon and they were like okay but we’re going to have a big problem,” he added.
“The next day the PSG president had a lunch with me and asked why I don’t want to join his team. He’s a very nice man and I respect him up till date, he was so nice but I was straight and honest with him.
”I told him your coach didn’t want me when I was about 18, 19 years old so how come all of a sudden he want me. For me it didn’t make sense.
”Maybe I was young but I remember speaking to the coach on the phone when I went to trial at Lille but the manner in which we ended the conversation was a No for me.
”So I explained to the president and he understood me. After that, I packed my bags straight to Lyon.”
Essien did not regret to decision to sign for the then two-time defending league champions in €7.8 million transfer.
He spent two seasons at the Stade Gerland where he scored seven goals in 71 appearances.
Essien was voted the 2005 Player of the Year by France’s National Union of Professional Footballers (UNFP) and also named Ligue 1 Player of the Year.
He got nominated for the 2005 FIFA World Player of the Year Award where placed 22nd.
Ex-Olympique Lyon midfielder Michael Essien says winning the 2005 French Ligue 1 Player of the Year came as a real shock to him.
The ex-Ghana international had taken the top-flight by storm in his second season at the Stade Gerland.
Essien featured in all but one league match as Lyon were crowned champions for the fourth straight season- his second league title.
He complimented his assertive performances with three goals as a defensive midfielder.
Essien toppled his teammate Juninho Pernambucano to win the coveted prize in a ceremony which was broadcast live on Canal+
“I was not paying attention to winning individual awards because I only wanted to enjoy my football. I remember being invited to the Players Awards night but I didn’t want to go until Juninho [Pernambucano] came to talk to me. A few of my teammates were going so I had to go with them and I was very surprised when I won it,” he said in a chat with Carol Tsabalala on Instagram.
“I didn’t know they had gone to Ghana to interview my mum and sisters. They only played the video to me when I was on the stage receiving the award.
”I was a bit emotional but happy. Winning the best player in France at that time was huge.
”I was in competition with my own teammate Juninho who was a magician because he could do anything with the ball so to beat him to the award was quite an achievement.”
In that summer, Essien made a move to Chelsea in a £24.4 million fee which made him the club’s most expensive signing of all-time.
Former Chelsea legend Michael Essien has said Paul Scholes and Steven Gerard were his toughest opponents in his career.
Now, 37, Essien enjoyed a hugely successful career at Chelsea, becoming one of the best box-to-box midfielders in the world.
During his nine years stay at the Stamford Bridge, the former Ghana international faced uncountable best players, but only two stood out in his eyes.
“It’s between Steven Gerard and Paul Scholes. Those two players were quite tough to play against. They were not only good on the ball but they could tackle really hard. They were really tough but the Premier League was much more tough compared to now.”
“Every team you come up against was difficult so you have to try to be tougher.”
Essien has played for a host of top European clubs including Real Madrid, AC Milan, Lyon and Panathinaikos.
He played for Bastia in France after leaving Ghanaian outfit Liberty Professionals.
At Chelsea, he won the Premier League on two occasions (2005-2006 and 2009-10), four FA Cup titles, one League Cup, two Community Shields and the prestigious Uefa Champions League in 2012.
At international level, he represented Ghana at the 2002, 2008 and 2010 Africa Cup of Nations as well as the 2006 and 2014 Fifa World Cup tournaments.
Former Ghana midfielder Micheal Essien has opened up on how he fought Olympique Lyon to transfer him to Chelsea in 2005.
Essien left Lyon to join Premier League side Chelsea for a £24.4 million transfer fee and, at the time of his signing, he was the most expensive African footballer in history.
The Ghanaian had then attracted a lot of interest from top European sides after establishing himself as a firm staple for the French Ligue 1 outfit.
But according to the midfielder, the move to Chelsea could not have happened had he not put in effort to depart Lyon after he rejected overtures from Liverpool and Paris Saint Germain in the previous years.
“Moving to Chelsea was not difficult but my third year at Lyon we had Gerard Houllier as coach who wanted to sign me few years before when he was at Liverpool, and this man was a big fan of me, he loved me, he like how I played. So when he came to Lyon he was happy,” the 37-year-old said on ConvosWithCarol.
“We had a meeting and he expressed how happy he was to have the chance to work with me and then we went to South Korea for pre-season, and then Chelsea came in strongly with an offer. Obviously the president [Michel Aulas] was playing his transfer game but this man [Houllier] will come and talk to me, saying he knows my love for the Premiership but at the same time he was thorn between me going to England and staying at Lyon to work with him.”
“I wanted to go to England. I remember our first pre-season game, we played against a Mexican side and after the game I was so angry. I was angry because I was happy with how the president was handling the transfer at the time so I was angry that I took it into the game. I lost my head and went in hard for a tackle and I was sent off.”
“I always train with a smile on my face but I became so angry to the extent that I wasn’t talking to anyone, I was just getting on with whoever came my way in training but the coach was very good with me. He will be one of my best coaches I’ve had in my career even though I worked with him for a short time. he was always talking to me.”
“I remember I didn’t play two games and then the final game we had to play against Tottenham or so, and the coach came into my room and said Michael I want to talk to you. He said Michael please I want you to play this game for me [Houllier]. I was shell shocked because I respect him so much, he was like my father so I said coach no problem, I’ll play the game for you. I went into the game with the confidence of the coach because he told me he’d do whatever he can to help me secure my transfer to Chelsea. I was one of the best players on the pitch.”
“After the game, he came to me and in a nice way he asked, do you really want to go to England. I replied with a big smile that coach I’d like to go so we made a little joke out of it. We went back to Lyon but still the whole saga was going on so I told my agent I was not going to play any official game for the club until the whole thing is sorted out. I told him I’ll work my head around it and see if I’m going to stay at the club and the coach and the president respected my decision. I was going to training without any problem and then one day it just happened…I went to Chelsea.”
At Chelsea, Essien won the Premier League on two occasions (2005-2006 and 2009-10), four FA Cup titles, one League Cup, two Community Shields and the prestigious UEFA Champions League in 2012.
He has played for a host of elite European clubs including Real Madrid, AC Milan, Lyon and Panathinaikos.
Essien, who currently plays for Azerbaijani side Sabail FK, played for Bastia in France after leaving Ghanaian outfit Liberty Professionals.
At international level, the Accra-born represented Ghana at the 2002, 2008 and 2010 Africa Cup of Nations as well as the 2006 and 2014 Fifa World Cup tournaments.
Former Ghana international Michael Essien has revealed that he went to Real Madrid with only a pair of jeans and a shirt.
Essien left Chelsea to sign for Spanish giants Real Madrid on a loan deal in 2012.
The Sabail FK midfielder made these revelations in an interview with South African sports journalist Carol Tshabalala.
“I was with Chelsea in Monaco for the Super Cup match and a strange number called me but I didn’t want to answer it but my cousin who was in the room with me that day told me to pick it up. The number kept calling so I picked and as soon as I said hello and another hello came from the other end and I realised who was on the phone so I told my cousin it’s Jose Mourinho.”
“We started talking and he said I heard you’re on way to Arsenal but I told him it’s not true. I had not heard anything from Arsenal. Then he said don’t go to Arsenal, come to me and I asked him where, and he said Real Madrid so I told him I’m ready.”
“It was the last day of the transfer and he said okay give me your agent’s number. I told him I’m ever ready even if it means I have to leave in the midst of the Super Cup game and he said Lassana Diarra was supposed to move to Russia so if he accepts to go then they will process my transfer and I told him okay, I’m waiting, just chilling in my room. He said give me a couple hours I’ll call back and I said cool.”
“My agent called after some few hours and said what happened and I told him I spoke to Jose about moving to Madrid and said he gave Jose my number. He told me to relax because Madrid will come and I just said okay.”
“Lassana accepted to move to Russia so then we had to change our plans because we were about to leave the hotel to the stadium to play Atletico Madrid. Real Madrid were doing their with my agent and I was in the bus as we were about to leave to the stadium. It was even going and my agent called me and said where are you, and I told him we’re on our way to the stadium. He said comeback to the hotel I’m coming there. He said he had to send some fax to some people so I had to shout at the bus driver to stop like some mad man. All my teammates were looking at me like Michael what’s going on. I told them I needed to get off the bus and I’ll see you guys later.”
“So anyway the bus stopped and I went back to the hotel to wait for my agent. My agent came and sent the fax and thankfully everything got finalized on time. I told him I have to go to the stadium because at least I had to pick my boots so we got to the stadium but then they had finished the match. I joined my teammates on the pitch but some of them had heard the news that I was going to Madrid. Some of them also asked what was going on so obviously I had to tell them. I explained to them that this deal came up and I had to return to the hotel to finish the paperwork. So in coming back to pick my boots I had to tell them goodbye.”
“After the ceremony we went back to the dressing room where I properly wished them goodbye. I just took my shin pad and boots and that’s it. I said bye to everyone including Abramovic [Roman] and he wished me good luck and then I went back to the hotel. The next day I was on a plane to Madrid.”
“I went to Madrid with just my boots, shin pads, one jeans and one shirt and my Chelsea tracksuit. I got to the airport Jose was there waiting for me. He greeted me and I went to the hospital to undergo my medical and the next day I started training.”
