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Premiership Winner 05/06 © Darren Walsh CFC

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Premiership Winner 05/06 © Darren Walsh CFC

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Chelsea Player of The Season 2006/07 © Darren Walsh CFC

Michael Essien

Date of birth
03/12/1982
Place of birth
Accra, Ghana
Nationality
Ghanaian
Height
5’10
Weight
13st 3lb
Playing position
Midfielder
Current club
Chelsea FC

Born in Accra to Ghanaian parents, Essien began his career in a local club in his native Ghana, called Liberty Professionals FC. He broke through when he played for Ghana in the 1999 FIFA U–17 World Cup in New Zealand. They got to third place, and this led to considerable attention from European scouts.

He had a trial at Manchester United, but in the end he went to Corsica signing for French league team Bastia in 2000.

At Bastia, he did not command a regular place in the team initially, playing at right back, left back and in central defence. Then because of an injury to one of his team-mates, he was given a temporary opportunity to play in central midfield. Essien flourished in this new role. In 2002/2003 season he helped Bastia qualify for the UEFA Cup and to reach the French Cup Final. He scored six goals that season.

In 2003 league champions Lyon bought Michael for 7.8 million euros. At Lyon, Essien played a more defensive midfield role, featuring regularly in the Lyon team that won the back to back league titles and twice reached the champions league quarter finals. He was also voted the 2005 Player of the Year by France’s National Union of Professional Footballers (UNFP). In his 2 years at Lyon, Michael had grown to be one of the hottest properties in Europe.

It was announced on 14 August 2005, Lyon and Chelsea had agreed a £24.4 million fee for Michael. It was a then record fee for Chelsea, making Michael the most expensive African footballer in the world. He made his debut for Chelsea against Arsenal FC on August 21, and he soon cemented his place in José Mourinho’s side, starting the majority of the league games. A powerhouse player who earned the nickname "the Bison", his performances in midfield as well as his ability to provide solutions to problems elsewhere in the team has won him much praise.

On 15 May 2007, Essien was voted as Chelsea Player of the Year for the 2006–07 Season by the fans, and his goal against Arsenal was also voted as Chelsea’s Goal of the Season 2006–07.

His love of Chelsea is evident, and last season he extended his current contract with the club though to 2012.

INTERNATIONAL CAREER:

Michael made his first competitive senior debut in the 2002 African Nations Cup against Morocco on 21 January, 2002. He was selected to be part of the team that represented Ghana at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, helping Ghana to become the only African team to reach the second round of the 2006 World Cup.

In 2009, Michael played an instrumental role in Ghana being the first African team to qualify for the 2010 World Cup.

PERSONAL:

In November 2009, Michael launched The Michael Essien Foundation which aims to create opportunities and hope for the underprivileged in the Awutu Breku area, Ghana.