Ghana midfielder Michael Essien has agreed to sign an 18-month contract with AC Milan after being released by English giants Chelsea. 

The 31-year-old arrived in Milan on Friday night after negotiations, which only took place over the last couple of days, were successful.

Essien agreed to take a pay cut and give up on some of his initial requests.

Milan’s Chief Executive Adriano Galliani and Essien’s agent asked Chelsea to release the player at no cost and after Mourinho gave his blessing.

Essien’s contract runs until 2015 and his salary will reportedly be halved, meaning he will earn €2.5 million per season.

Milan have been on the market for a defensive midfielder and they have decided to sign Essien who was down the pecking order at Chelsea.

He was not part of Jose Mourinho’s plans for the season after making just five Premier League appearances.