PROFIL : MICHAEL ESSIEN

Michael Essien

ESSIEN'S RETURN

Having made his way back on the pitch in recent weeks, Michael Essien is now back with his monthly blog, and February's entry sees him giving his thanks to those who have wished him well on his recovery.

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ESSIEN PREVIEWS AFRICAN CUP - 04.01.2012

Michael Essien is back with his latest monthly blog where he examines the sides he expects to be challenging for the African Cup of Nations in January and February.

ESSIEN'S EXPLANATIONS - 08.12.2011

Michael Essien returns with a final blog before Christmas, and as promised last month has included some of his favourite reader comments.

ESSIEN HEADS TO WESTMINSTER - 24.11.2011

Michael Essien joined MPs and former Arsenal and Manchester City midfielder Patrick Vieira at the Houses of Parliament on Wednesday to support a major international fight against poverty.

CHELSEA 2012: MICHAEL ESSIEN - 09.11.2011

London's big 17 days draw ever closer and in the week the torch route was revealed to be passing close to the club's training ground, Michael Essien is the latest to answer our Olympic questionnaire…

ESSIEN'S NOVEMBER BLOG ARRIVES - 02.11.2011

Michael Essien is back on the blog this month, filing his words after a few spooky goings on.

ESSIEN BLOG UPDATED - 05.10.2011

In the latest post on his blog on the official Chelsea website, Michael Essien pays tribute to the man who discovered his football talent and mentored him in his early career, Sly Tetteh, who died last month...

MY FAVOURITE GAMES: MICHAEL ESSIEN - 21.06.2011

Both games selected by Michael Essien for this summer series happened on the international stage…

ESSIEN TAKES TIME FOR FUNDRAISING - 14.06.2011

Michael Essien enjoyed the company of royalty yesterday (Monday) to unveil a watch to raise money for his foundation...

THE FRIDAY INTERVIEW: GEORGE WEAH - 27.05.2011

George Weah joined Michael Essien in Ghana this week, but spoke to us to look back on his time as a Chelsea player as well as talking peace in Africa...

ESSIEN: AN AMAZING TIME - 27.05.2011

As the dust settles on a remarkable few days in Ghana, Michael Essien has expressed his gratitude to those who supported him, and his relief that the event was such a success.

ESSIEN'S PRAISE - 26.05.2011

His friends who participated in Wednesday's Peace Match in Ghana believe Michael Essien can be proud of his achievements...

AFRICA DEFEATED BUT VICTORIOUS IN THE PEACE MATCH - 25.05.2011

Michael Essien's Africa XI was defeated by a Rest of the World side on Wednesday afternoon, with three Chelsea men scoring during the game, which finished 4-2.

PEACE MATCH PREVIEW - 25.05.2011

Michael Essien hosts a Peace Match in his native Ghana this afternoon, and the stars have turned out to support the Chelsea man...

COLE BACKING ESSIEN'S PEACE GAME - 24.05.2011

Excitement is building around the world with just a day to go before Michael Essien's Peace Match in his native Ghana.

• Profile
• Stats

Name:	Michael Essien
Nationality:	Ghanaian
Date of Birth:	03/12/1982
Height:	5' 10" (177cm)
Weight:	13st 6lbs (85.35kg)
Previous
Clubs:	Lyon, Bastia
Position:	Midfielder

Chelsea Career
Jose Mourinho used the word 'multifunctional' when Michael signed for Chelsea from Lyon in August 2005, and the reported £24.4 million price tag reflected this versatility.

Comfortable in central midfield, over the years he has also played at right-back, in the centre of defence and as a right winger.

After a low-key start to his Chelsea career, which saw a period of adaptation to what referees would accept as legitimate tackles, Essien was voted 2007 Player of the Year by supporters, recognising not just steam-train performances in midfield but also his ability to provide solutions to a multitude of problems elsewhere.

He followed up an outstanding performance in central defence during a clean sheet 2007 FA Cup Final display with his selection at right-back in the Champions League Final a year later, picked ahead of two specialists in the position.

Memorable goals are part of the Essien repertoire. His equaliser against Arsenal in December 2006 was voted that campaign's Chelsea Goal of the Season and was nearly matched by a charge forward and angled drive in Valencia that sent the Blues into the 2007 Champions League semi-final. Then came the 25-yard left-footed volley that almost eliminated Barcelona from