English newspaper 'The Sunday Mirror' has been forced into a grovelling apology to Ghana international Michael Essien.

The weekly newspaper's image has been dented following its major retreat over allegations that Essien had not been supporting his dad James over the past two years.

The Chelsea player, who has been supporting his large family including his dad and the needy in his home country, was furious article over the claims published by the paper.

The Sunday Mirror carried the story during the African Cup of Nations but the player's representatives threatened the paper with legal action after providing evidence to the contrary.

The paper eventually made the public apology to the Ghana international but tucked it away in a corner of last Sunday's edition of the newspaper.

"James has received more support from Michael than he had stated in the article," the Sunday Mirror publication read.

"We are happy to set the record straight."

While the impression was made that James did not receive any financial support from the midfielder it is on record that the car he drives was purchased by the Chelsea ace.

Essien has not reacted to the apology.