Premier League - Essien signs new Chelsea deal

Eurosport - Tue, 22 Jul 16:53:00 2008

Chelsea have handed a new five-year contract to midfield star Michael Essien.

FOOTBALL: Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien - 0

The Ghana international has tied himself to Stamford Bridge until 2013 and follows hot on the heels of team-mate Petr Cech who signed a similar deal on Monday.

Chelsea finalised the deal after touching down in China ahead of their pre-seaosn tour in the Far East.

"I am really pleased to have extended my contract with Chelsea," explained Essien.

"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. "

Chelsea's new boss Luiz Felipe Scolari was only too happy to sign Essien sign his new deal.

"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," said Scolari.

"I have always admired him and it is good news for me and for Chelsea that he signs for so long."

Essien joined Chelsea in 2005 from French champions Lyon and has shone for The Blues.

He has also showed his versatility having, at times, to drop back to play at right-back and even in central defence.

Sporting Life / Eurosport

Comment 4 - 23 of 23

Sort comments by: Most recent | Most rated

  1. well done bro.u have made the right choice..chelsea 4real...bravooooo...from zico in nig

    From franchee4real, on Tue 22 Jul 8:53PM

  2. well done bro.u have made the right choice..chelsea 4real...bravooooo

    From franchee4real, on Tue 22 Jul 8:51PM

  3. I hate to say it as a liverpool fan but ballack, essien, deco, robihno and joe cole will be a pretty scary midfield! Lets just hope sheva starts every game

    From hobsey007, on Tue 22 Jul 3:56PM

  4. well done essien!

    From lilyuni, on Tue 22 Jul 3:50PM

  5. Without doubt Essien is The Best in his position And he is a good role model and am so happy he has commited his future to chelsea and he has made the whole African continet proud Drogba should please take a good example from Essien.Micheal Essien we love you and we are proud of you.....UP CHELSEA FOR LIFE!!!!! .FROM EDWARD IGIEBOR bobojack4life

    From bobojack4life, on Tue 22 Jul 3:38PM

  6. Good for you Mike but don't fall prey or even belong to part of a collapsing team!!!

    From b2bstuart, on Tue 22 Jul 2:08PM

  7. I am Man U supporter but i must say that Essien is one of the Best players in the world, Man U would love to have a player that works that hard.

    From zehst, on Tue 22 Jul 1:32PM

  8. well done, Essien, great things ahead.

    From phoyanoel, on Tue 22 Jul 1:12PM

  9. thats really great he is an idolised hero for me.the rest can leave but not essien and mikel they represent the ambition ad drive of the club,they carry the african continent so high.proud of you Michael,
    Pariyo Kaizari

    From kaizari, on Tue 22 Jul 12:59PM

  10. Hope Essien scores more super goals like from the seasons before and keep his good work supporting at the middle and back. He's simply an icon to be looked up to.

    From heavendevilz, on Tue 22 Jul 12:36PM

  11. YES!!! ESSIEN IS WITHOUT DOUBT THE GREATEST EVER MIDFIELDER EVER TO GRACE THE PLANET OF ALL TIME.....CHELSEA WITHOUT DOUBT WILL BE THE GREATEST TEAM ON THE PLANET OF THE 21st CENTURY....CHELSEA WE LOVE YOU!!!....

    From herbzone, on Tue 22 Jul 12:31PM

  12. I love u Michael, u are our African Hero. Chelsea 4liv

    From INNOCENT M, on Tue 22 Jul 11:23AM

  13. I m UTD but this is gr8 - he is IRREPLACEABLE!!!

    From Emmanuel A, on Tue 22 Jul 10:55AM

  14. thats the bison

    From lekhezo, on Tue 22 Jul 10:27AM

  15. deligence, dedication, decision making and discipline is all i can say for the humble and sophisticated player of michael ess's calibre. silence is onother form of talking and judging from michael it can only mean contention. all the best son of the soil. make us proud, yu are a diamond in the soil and the ancestors are busy sending their mighty winds to expose yu. soon yu will be great like others.

    From irvine n, on Tue 22 Jul 10:27AM

  16. thats the bison

    From lekhezo, on Tue 22 Jul 10:26AM

  17. Glad to hear cech & essien still remain in Chelsea.

    From kowkok7337, on Tue 22 Jul 10:11AM

  18. Great news! Loyal players of Chelsea if only other would follow their example

    From eakinpelu, on Tue 22 Jul 10:07AM

  19. true

    From hunglongsilver, on Tue 22 Jul 10:02AM

  20. Essien has made me proud.He has shown love for the clud.If only Frank would learn from him.

    From friemma, on Tue 22 Jul 9:57AM
Sort comments by: Most recent | Most rated

Not already a Yahoo! user ? to get a free Yahoo! Account