Former Arsenal player, Robert Pires has touted former Ghanaian and Chelsea midfield maestro Michael Essien as the best African player in Premier League history.

According to the Robert Pires, he encountered the former Black Stars player in a number of Premier League games when Arsenal faced Chelsea. Pires disclosed that Micheal Essien was able to master the Chelsea midfield with much tenacity and technique due to his good talent on the field.

Micheal Essien joined Chelsea in 2005 as the most expensive African footballer for a £24.4 million transfer fee after a successful stint with Lyon. He made 168 appearances with the London club lifting the two Premier League trophies as well as three FA Cups, a League Cup and the UEFA Champions League in 2012.

Granting an exclusive interview with Ghanaweb TV, Robert Pires who is in Ghana to promote the Barclays super fans campaign described Essien as “very strong, very competitive, good player, good impact on his position and technique. If you play for Chelsea is because you have good quality and Michael Essien has good talent that is why he had a good a career .”

“I think yes because he was very good that is why I repeat for your country Michael Essien is a very good example for someone they want to be like. If you want to be like Essien you have to try and follow his steps,” Pires added in response to a question if Essien was best African player to ever play the Premier League?

Pires has advised Ghanaians players to make use of academies and football legends to reach great heights in football.

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