Jose Mourinho may have returned to Chelsea this summer, but he was not the only one- Michael Essien also followed him from Real Madrid and has been trying to reignite his football career at the Blues under the manager he loves most of all.
Essien may have been omitted from the Champions League squad list that Chelsea provided, but there is no denying that the midfielder will have some part to play this season for the Blues, but the question of just how much remains, especially given the huge amount of talent in the Chelsea squad – none more so than in the middle of the park.
Essien can of course also slot in across the back four – playing at left back under Mourinho at Real Madrid and also making a cameo on the opposing flank to boot. As Chelsea fans will remember only too clearly, during Mourinho’s last full season at the club, he featured at centre back – during the time Chelsea were ravaged with injury and was simply indispensable.
Yes, injuries have taken their toll since then, but it is no surprise that Mourinho bought one of his most trusted players back to London with him, telling the midfielder of his return in typical Jose style, during his final game in charge of Los Blancos.
Essien scored during Mourinho’s final match in charge, a 4-2 win over Osasuna, before being informed of his manager’s intentions when he ran over to celebrate with his coach. The player noted: “When I scored my last goal for Real Madrid on the last day of the season, I ran over to celebrate with him and was expecting him to congratulate me when I hugged him,
“Instead he leaned over and told me he would see me at pre season on July 8. I found that so funny.
“We are now back together where we belong and where we had so many beautiful years together and I hope we can recreate those magical years.”
Two days later Mourinho’s return to Stamford Bridge, following an absence of nearly six years, was confirmed.
Now the Ghana midfielder hopes to enjoy success with the Portuguese at Chelsea for a second time in his career under the manager he calls ‘daddy’ but the less said about that the better. Essien made it clear that he wants to break back into the Blues first team and claimed: “I am ready to give my all to Chelsea,
“I haven’t lost any desire or motivation. I have been working hard in the last few weeks to be physically and mentally fit for the season and I feel good about my work so far. We are definitely going to give it a go this season. All the trophies are up for grabs and you can rest assured we will do all we can to bring as many as we can to the Bridge.”
Will Essien recreate his best form for the Blues? Let us know your thoughts below or tweet us @LaFootyettes.
11 years ago
Sad to say but no longer the dominant force he once was….shame really.