Michael Essien Backs Chelsea FC For European Glory

Former Chelsea FC midfielder Michael Essien has been bossing it at AC Milan for the since last January and has really settled in at the Serie A club. Essien made the move to Milan in search of regular first team football ahead of the 2014 World Cup with Ghana. He spoke recently to FIFA as they asked him about the Ghanaian national team, his ambitions with AC Milan, and of course his favorite club Chelsea.

Here are some of the best bits of the interview which you can read in full here:

Michael Essien on Chelsea and Jose Mourinho:

"“I think they’ll do well as always. Jose has rebuilt the team in his own image now and they’ll fight for everything this season. They have the ability to win things and that’s what they’ll be doing. Chelsea have become a football force in Europe in the last ten years and I can see that carrying on for the next ten years or more.”"

Essien on Fernando Torres and how he can be a big player for AC Milan:

"“I really hope he does well for Milan and for himself because he is a top striker and we’ll benefit from his goals. He’s a hard worker both in games in and in training and that can also serve him well at Milan. One thing Milan can expect to see is 100 per cent all the time from him. I am convinced we’ll see lots of goals from Fernando.”"

On former Chelsea teammates Alex and Marco Van Ginkel joining AC Milan:

"“Of course it’s nice to have them here, and also [Marco] van Ginkel, who joined on the last day of the transfer window. They are some of the nicest people you will meet in football and we always talk about our days at Chelsea. Hopefully we can bring some of the Chelsea glory days to Milan.”"

Michael Essien was at one point of the best midfielders in the world. He was a dynamic box to box player in the mold of Yaya Toure or Nemanja Matic and provided tremendous power and versatility to the Chelsea midfield. Injuries derailed his career and he has never been the same player since they took their toll. He has proven at AC Milan that he can still be an effective player but one thing injuries can never take away from his is legendary status as The Bison of Chelsea Football Club.

Source: FIFA.com