Michael Essien
Name: Michael Essien
Nationality: Ghanaian
Date and Place of Birth: Born December 3, 1982 in Accra, Ghana
Playing Position: Midfield (can also operate at full back or central defence)
Current Club:
Chelsea (English Premier League)
Club Career: 2000 - 2003 Sporting Club de Bastia 2003 - 2005 Olympique Lyonnais 2005 - present Chelsea
International Career: 2002 – Present Ghana
About Michael Essien:
Born in 1982 in Ghana Michael Essien was interested in football from an early age and his natural talents were developed at local club side Liberty Professionals. Essien quickly established himself as an imposing figure with some strong and impressive performances which earned him a place for Ghana in the U17 FIFA World Championship in 1999. At the tournament Essien impressed on an individual level and quickly came to the attention of European Clubs.
Essien signed for French side SC Bastia in 1999 and struggled to hold down a regular position in the side but when a team mate was injured Essien was provided with an opportunity to play in midfield. Essien quickly adapted to his new position impressing the management with solid, commanding and skilful performances helping SC Bastia to qualify for the UEFA Cup. Essien was soon drawing attention from some major European clubs and he decided to sign for Lyon settling into a defensive midfield position. Essien became an integral and influential member of the team at Lyon and helped the club to secure the Ligue 1 title.
However, his relationship with Lyon was severely damaged in 2005 as Lyon refused to accept a transfer bid for Essien from English side Chelsea . Despite Lyon's initial reluctance to let one of their star players go Essien signed for Chelsea for a reported £26 million. At Chelsea Essien has solidified his position as a first team regular under the management of Jose Mourinho despite the arrival of some major talent in the form of Michael Ballack and John Obi Mikel. Due to his impressive performances and workmanlike ethic Essien was nominated for the 2006 FIFA World Player of the Year, lifted the 2006 BBC African Footballer of the Year but maybe more importantly was voted the Chelsea Player of the Year for the 2006-07 season by the fans.
Essien plays his international football for the Ghana national team and was a key member of the Ghanian squad that participated in the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
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