Chelsea star and Ghana international Michael Essien has denied media reports he assured new Stars coach Goran Stevanovic he will return to the Black Stars for next month’s crucial African Cup of Nations qualifier against Congo. He admitted having a brief conversation with the coach but added “we didn't talk about dates and I didn't tell him I was available to play in March.” ”I am not sure where those stories came from. When I decided to take a break I knew some Ghanaians will be disappointed but I felt at the time it was the right decision after two horrible injuries. Hopefully when I come back into the Ghanaian team the break will be beneficial for the Ghana team and me.” In a statement posted on his website, Essien said both he and the coach had agreed to have detailed discussion about his return to the Stars at a later date. “I don't want Ghanaians to believe these stories and then in March be disappointed that I am not in the team. I will definitely return to the team at some point in the future however it won’t be for the upcoming games. I haven't told the coach or anyone else that,” he asserted. “It's Ghana's team and I am no different from any other player when it comes to selection. The coach decides who should play from the team available to him and I respect all the comments passed about selection and availability. All I can say to Ghanaians is that I had two bad injuries and they were part of the reason for taking a mini break. I had to give my body a chance and I can say, so far so good,” Essien added. Asked when he scheduled to meet coach Stevanovic, Essien said, “I don't know when he will be in the UK but whenever he is here, we have agreed to meet. I am ready to meet him and whatever discussions we have, I am sure will come out either through me or him. He sounded like a nice guy on the phone so I am looking forward to meeting him.” He said despite not returning immediately to the team, he certainly will be at Wembley to support the team. Source: Myjoyonline.com/Ghana