 |
| Image Credit: Newscom |
Essien has been one of Chelsea’s most important players ever since he signed for the club for a then club record £24 million. His dynamism, power, stamina and play anywhere capabilities mean that he is ‘The Engine’ for the Chelsea team. Apart from the above mentioned qualities, his eye for spectacular goals has made him into one of the best midfielders in the world. So it comes as no surprise when the club announced that they are extending his contract until 2015.
It is basically a 2 year extension to the 5 year contract he signed in 2008 and this contract will go some way in keeping him at the club following reports that Jose Mourinho is interested in taking him to Real Madrid. Mourinho was the man who brought him to Stamford Bridge from Lyon and there is no
doubt his Inter Milan side would have been knocked out had Essien been fit at the time.
“I am delighted because the club has shown a very big confidence and interest in me. 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.” he told.
But all is not rosy for the man nicknamed, ‘The Bison’. He has been plagued by injuries in the last two seasons and has missed nearly 12 months of competitive action in those two years. His current knee injury means that he cannot take part in Ghana’s World Cup campaign. As with the Chelsea team, he is also one of the important players in Ghana’s squad and it remains to be seen how far they will progress without their talisman.
Chelsea’s pre-season kicks-off with a game against Crystal Palace on July 13th and it would be good news for Chelsea fans if he manages to get fit by that time. When he does so, it would be like a brand new £30 million signing to kick things off for the new season.
