Versatile Ghanaian midfielder, Michael Essien, who made a season loan switch to Real Madrid from Chelsea, has pledged to work hard to help Real Madrid defend the La Liga title it won last season. The 29-year-old last Friday agreed to join his former boss, Jose Mourinho, at the Santiago Bernabeu after several clubs, including Arsenal and Everton made efforts to sign him. Essien, speaking in an interview with Real Madrid TV said he was pleased to play for Real Madrid and is determined to leave an indelible mark on the renowned club. According to him, he is “really looking forward to” playing for the club, adding, “It is a new adventure for me. I’m very ready to work hard and do everything for Real Madrid to defend,” the La Liga title they won last season. Real Madrid is hoping to bag its tenth Champions League title this season, a feat the midfielder disclosed he is ready to help the team achieve. He said it is his primary aim “to help Real Madrid win trophies so far as I am here, and to defend the La Liga [title]. Hopefully if we can add the Champions League to it, it will be a very great season for us.” Essien has suffered injuries that have kept him out of play for a greater part of last season. He affirmed that he is “very fit,” and is “looking forward to enjoying my football.” The Ghanaian midfielder disclosed that although there were a lot of clubs hoping to sign the Ghanaian, he opted to play for Jose Mourinho, popularly known as the Special One, due to the fatherly bond he has with him. “He is like a daddy to me, he knows me very well and he knows what I can do. I am very happy to be here and work under him,” he said. Essien described Mourinho as a “tough” coach who “knows how to get the best out of his players,” and is therefore ready to play any position he puts him to help the team.