When Jose Mourinho signed Essien from Lyon in 2005 for £24.4 million, the European press made lots of noise about the signing. Essien was then rated as one of the highest paid players at Chelsea. Most of the European press did not believe at that time that Essien was worth £24.4 million. But Mourinho who was Chelsea’s coach at that time believed in Essien.

Mourinho backed Essien despite the heavy criticisms from the European press. And as you all know, Essien did not disappoint Coach Mourinho. Essien has since been one of the most outstanding Chelsea players. As a player Essien have played as a right full back, left full back, central defender, and as a midfielder. He was the first choice midfielder for Coach Mourinho, Scolari, Guss Hidink, and Ancelotti. Essien succeeded in turning his critics into his fans. Almost all of the European press who used to be his critics now rate him highly among world best midfielders such as Steven Gerrard, Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta and many more.

Notwithstanding the numerous injuries, many European clubs and coaches are still interested in signing him for their clubs. That explains why his former coach Mourinho named him “the train”. It is no secret that his former coach Mourinho, who moved from Inter Milan to Real Madrid after winning the treble with Inter Milan, will like to reunite with Essien and to renew their player coach relationship at Real Madrid.

During Mourinho’s first day at Real Madrid, he made it clear to the media that he is happy to win the treble with Inter Milan and was hungry for more. And as you know Mourinho backed by the money machine at Real Madrid will pursue great players such as Essien.

There is no doubt that Chelsea will not like to loose a valuable player like Essien to Real Madrid. In their attempt to avoid Real Madrid from signing Essien, they quickly offered Essien a two year extension of his contract from 2013 to 2015. Ladies and gentlemen, this is how valuable Essien is to his current club Chelsea. The extension of his contract to 2015 is a huge blow to his former coach Mourinho of Real Madrid.

Ghana and for that matter Africa must be proud one of the best African players is making his country and the continent proud by being such a wonderful Ambassador through the game of football in Europe. Essien, Drogba, Eto, etc are making Africa proud. I hope all of Africa will join me in praying for his quick recovery from injury.



BY: Nick Amuna,