Essien: We have to be united

Michael Essien has urged Milan to ‘stay united’ if they are to achieve their goals this season.

The Ghana international played his first match for the Rossoneri last weekend as the San Siro outfit lost 3-1 to Napoli, but the midfielder has insisted that the whole club have to stay together if they are to climb the table.

"I'm very happy to have played 90 minutes against Napoli,” he told Milan Channel.

“I hadn't played a full match for a long time, but unfortunately the result wasn't positive. We have to keep on playing together and then things will only get better.

“I think that I improved throughout the course of the game. I kept on feeling better as the match progressed and that was important for me.

“The more I play the better it will be. I tried to score but unfortunately it didn't go in.

“This is a very difficult season for Milan, but we have to stay united. We all have to give a little bit extre and help each other out. We are Milan and we have to do better."

Essien then commented on his relationship with some of his teammates.

“I know Muntari and De Jong very well, and I'm happy to be in the same team with team. I got to know De Jong when we were both playing in England.

“I also know Kakà well because we played together at Real Madrid. I'm very happy to see them all again. It's nice to have them here, and I'm happy to have joined the Milan family. It's great to be in a squad with these kind of players.”

The former Chelsea man concluded by remarking on the Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid.

"We have to be at our best against Atlético Madrid. I don't know who will play, but those who get to play will have to give their best. The coach will decide who gets to play. Atlético Madrid is a very good team, and I have played against them a few times for Real Madrid.

“They are playing very well at the moment. We have to deliver a top performance in order to beat team. We have to work hard and hope that we can win."