Accra, May 30, GNA - Jose Mourinho, Chelsea Manager says Michael Essien's phenomenal role in the club manifests the multi talented Ghanaian players is worth every penny spent on him.

Two seasons ago, Essien became Africa's most expensive player when his transfer from Olympic Lyonnais to Chelsea cost about 26 million pounds, a bid the Portuguese believes was worth its price. "Michael is worth everything spent on him and his high performance is there to show.

"He has excelled all season in many roles in a way only a few players can do.

"Too many players can only last for a few months but Michael is in a class of his own and the recognition the supporters offered him by voting him their best player at the end of the season says it all". Mourinho is leading a delegation from the club on a five-day visit to Ghana to inspect projects run by Right To Play, Chelsea's global charity partner.

He was buoyant the midfielder would produce magic when the Black Stars begin their quest for a fifth Nations Cup success when Ghana welcomes the rest of African next January.

"I am very hopeful he will be able to help Ghana succeed at the African Cup of Nations early next year."

The Ghanaian is expected to join the delegation on Thursday in the club's first visit to Africa.

The Chelsea boss dubbed the "special one" described the visit as a unique one.

"It's great to come to the country of Essien, who is very important for us."

Mourinho would conduct training sessions for children in Accra and Tamale and also hold coaching demonstrations for the Right To Play coaches, who are integral to the charity's purpose of raising awareness about disease, war and poverty through sports.