Former Ghanaian international, Michael Essien, on August 14, 2005, ended one of the longest transfer sagas in the history of football by becoming the most expensive African export to the Premier League in a £24.4 million move from Lyon to Chelsea.
The retired Black Stars midfield general drew the attention of the “Special One,” Jose Mourinho, with his scintillating displays at Lyon in the 2004-05 season, where he was voted Player of the Year by France’s National Union of Professional Footballers (UNFP).
Moving to Cobham, London, Essien wore the number five shirted jersey, which eventually became iconic, as he made his debut against Arsenal on August 21, 2005.
Essien went on to make 168 appearances, scoring 17 goals in a span of nine years, helping them to multiple championship titles before moving to Italy to join AC Milan in 2014.
In honour of the former St. Augustine’s College student’s 42nd birthday, max.com.gh presents a compilation of his top three goals for Chelsea.
Enjoy.
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