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Today, August 19, 2021, marks 16 years after Michael Essien was signed by Chelsea Football Club in 2005. The club has eulogized the legend.
Michael Essien’s move from Olympique Lyon to Chelsea in 2005 was the highly-rated Ghanaian and African football transfer until recently.
We signed @MichaelEssien #OnThisDay in 2005. 🔵 pic.twitter.com/MbZkVfnA7l
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 19, 2021
His move to the London club for a transfer fee of £24.4 million was the highest bid for any African player at the time. Michela Essien’s move was not only a national moment in Ghana but it converted many local football-loving Ghanaians to Chelsea fans.
On this day, the Chelsea Football Club has shared video clips that give an account of some of his prolific yet stunning strikes that summarize his distinct flawless footballing ability and prowess.
Michael Essien’s time at Chelsea saw him win the Champions Lague, FA Cup, Premier League, Community Shield and League Cup. He was also a strong member of the Ghana Black Stars squad and a football legend.
One of the best of recent times! 👌
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 19, 2021
What a player! 💪@MichaelEssien 🔵 pic.twitter.com/TQqfqZP9Wo
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 19, 2021
Some Quick Facts On Michael Essien
- Michael Kojo Essien is a Ghanaian footballer who was born on 3rd December 1982 at Accra Ghana. However, he is a fante from the Central Region.
- He had his primary and basic at the Gomoa Nyanyano DC Primary and JSS and high school education at the St. Augustine’s College in Cape Coast. He began his footballing career right after completion of high school.
- Essien started his career playing for Liberty Professionals in Ghana as a defensive midfielder who sometimes play in the attacking role. In 2000, he moved to France to join Bastia, where he would spend three seasons and appear in over 60 matches.
- He joined Ligue 1 title holders Lyon in 2003. At Lyon, Essien won back-to-back league titles in 2003–04 and 2004–05 and won Ligue 1 Player of the Year in 2005. During his five-year stint in France, he acquired French citizenship.
- In 2005, Essien signed with Premier League side Chelsea for a £24.4 million transfer fee and, at the time of his signing, was the most expensive African footballer in history.
- At Chelsea, Essien helped the club win the Premier League in 2006 and 2010, as well as three FA Cups and one League Cup.
- He won the UEFA Champions League in 2012, while also placing as runner up in the 2008 UEFA Champions League. He has won the Chelsea Goal of the Season award twice, in the 2006–07 and 2008–09 seasons.
- Essien is a former Ghanaian international. At the youth level, he represented his country at the 1999 FIFA U-17 World Championship and 2001 FIFA World Youth Championship, with the latter team finishing as runner-up.
- Essien made his senior team debut in January 2002 and has represented his nation at three Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. Essien has also represented Ghana at the 2006 and 2014 FIFA World Cups with over 50 appearances.
- Michael Essien is currently a player and the assistant of Danish Super Liga side FC Nordsjælland. However, he has played for various clubs large and small at the peak of his career including Bastia, Lyon, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Milan, Panathinaikos, Persib, Sabali etc…
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