Essien has a great future - Agyeman-Badu

Black Star midfielder Emmanuel Agyeman-Badu is confident that Michael Essien has a great future ahead despite the Chelsea's player's slump in form lately.

Essien made only ten starts and four substitute appearances for Chelsea in the just ended season after picking up an injury in pre-season.

The 'Bison', as he is popularly known, was dropped to the bench by Chelsea's interim coach Roberto Di Matteo in the FA Cup final as well as the Uefa Champions League final, leading to speculation about his future at the London club.

But in an exclusive interview with www.liquidsportsghana.com, Emmanuel Agyeman-Badu, a close pal of Essien, insisted that Essien still has a bright future ahead of him.

"Essien has a great future. He is just 29 years," he said.

"It's not easy when you come back from two ligament injuries and you are out of football for almost two seasons."

"Look at the club he plays for: the biggest club in the world right now because they won the Uefa Champions league."

The Chelsea midfield has coped well in the absence of the midfield power house and with club owner Roman Abramovich expected to splash the cash in the summer, there might be few spaces available for Essien.

Agyeman-Badu though is not perturbed and believes Essien will be back to his best.

"He is going to be back. Trust me Essien will be back to full fitness next season."

"The most important thing is for Ghanaians to pray for him because he is ours and I hope he comes up next year."