[ 2014-01-25 ]

Essien will undergo a medical in Milan today

Chelsea agree to sell Ghana star Michael Essien to AC Milan
Chelsea have agreed a deal to release their
legendary Ghanaian midfielder Michael Essien to
Italian giants AC Milan after NINE YEARS at the
English club.

The 31-year-old, who arrived in Italy on Friday
night as exclusively revealed by
GHANAsoccernet.com, will undergo a medical on
Saturday before the deal is sealed.

He will sign a contract for 18 months if he is
successful in the medical and agrees personal
terms with AC Milan.

“Agreement reached with AC Milan for the
transfer of Michael Essien, subject to a medical
examination and him agreeing personal terms,”
Chelsea said in a statement on their Twitter
page.

Essien has been a part of Chelsea since coming
over from Lyon in 2005 but the midfielder has
fallen out of favour with his club and was unable
to get onto the pitch which forced him to seek the
move to Italy.

After spending the 2012-13 season with Real
Madrid, he returned to Chelsea this year but only
made two Premier League starts all season.

Manager Jose Mourinho explained that he had no
intention to change this any time soon, via John
Drayton of the Daily Mail:

I offer nobody – not Michael, not nobody
(guaranteed playing time). I understand that
players think about national team, the World Cup
and playing regularly, but my players have to
think of the team before the players. Michael
knows that perfectly.

AC Milan now get an experienced player who can
help out immediately on the defensive end, an area
that needs a dramatic improvement.

The club currently sits in 11th place in the Serie
A table despite ranking eighth in the league in
goals scored.

The Italians have struggled to prevent opposing
opportunities, and it leads to a high number of
goals against. Essien has proven to be a quality
tackler in the defensive midfield and someone who
is almost always in the right position to mark a
man.

Additionally, the veteran has been utilized as a
defender at times in the past and could provide
depth if needed. This versatility is certain to
help out the historic club as it looks to get back
near the top of the league standings.

This is a great opportunity for everyone involved
as Essien gets an opportunity to play for the
first team, AC Milan get a quality player and
Chelsea removes dead weight on the roster that was
not getting onto the pitch anyway.

With Essien also trying to prepare for the World
Cup as part of the Ghana national team, this is a
win for all parties.

Source - Ghanasoccer

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