Audio By Carbonatix
Michael Essien looks set to be the latest player to move in Chelsea's extensive summer makeover, with the Ghanaian midfielder attracting serious interest from Fenerbahce.
Fenerbahce are understood to be awaiting the outcome of their Champions League play-off with Spartak Moscow on Wednesday night, given how qualification would greatly strengthen their hand in any transfer negotiations. As it stands, they are 2-1 down from the first leg in Moscow but have the benefit of an away goal.
Earlier this summer, Essien himself was quoted as saying he wants to remain at Chelsea.
"My intention is to stay and I'm looking forward to a new season. I still have two more years here. I'm still here, I'm still around," Essien said. "Yes, the team is changing and there have been players going, new players coming in but that's how professional football is. You just have to deal with the situation and go out and perform for the team.
"I will play anywhere I am asked to play and it's always been that way with me. I work hard for the team, for Chelsea. I've played right-back and other positions and it's no problem."
That situation is complicated, however, by the fact that Essien hasn't played a single minute so far this season, with manager Roberto Di Matteo even going so far as to strengthen the very position Essien mentioned, by signing Cesar Azpilicueta from Marseille.
If anything, the manner in which the once-dominant midfielder has so drastically fallen out of favour illustrates the effect injuries have had on his career. A series of long-term absences appear to have sapped Essien of the dynamism that once characterised his game. Indeed, given how Chelsea are still working on the manner in which old defence is linked to new attack, it is difficult not to think that the Essien of 2005 to 2008 would have been perfect.
Essien, however, was philosophical on his injuries during the summer.
"The injuries I have had are just part of the game and when they happen you just have to get yourself back. I've not set myself any targets. I just pray to be injury-free. I'm very calm. I don't talk much but put me on the pitch and I will do my best."
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
“There was no security on our team bus” – Berekum Chelsea PRO recounts fatal robbery attack
9 minutes -
Bodø/Glimt’s Hauge excited about representing Norway at FIFA World Cup
16 minutes -
Daily Insight for CEOs: Driving performance through clear accountability
43 minutes -
Israel steps up strikes on Lebanon and Hezbollah attacks continue as talks loom
43 minutes -
Boost for 24 hour economy: PURC to introduce night power tariffs for businesses
49 minutes -
GRIDCo commissions 145MVA transformer at Afienya substation
51 minutes -
US judge dismisses $10bn Trump defamation suit against Wall Street Journal
51 minutes -
Photos: UEW Public Lecture Series 2026
53 minutes -
CSIR Scientist urges community-driven approach to fight illegal mining
57 minutes -
GUTA suspends strike as gov’t opens door for further consultations on Publican AI System
1 hour -
Asokore Mampong bans minors, foreigners from operating ‘Adedeta’ tricycles
1 hour -
AUCB equips students to boost self-employment and cut graduate unemployment
1 hour -
Experts call for waste-to-energy shift to cut landfill costs
1 hour -
Israel Envoy names Iran as biggest threat to global stability
2 hours -
EU velocity cycling tour for sustainability kicks off in Tamale with 106km opening ride
2 hours