Essien Gets New Chelsea Deal

Accra, July 21, GNA - Black Stars of Ghana and Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien on Monday agreed a new 20million pound five-year contract with the London-based Club.

Information gathered by GNA Sport has it that the new deal which ties the 25-year old to the Stamford Bridge till 2013 will also see Essien earning 80,000 pounds weekly.

Essien signed a five year contract extension with Chelsea less than two years ago but the latest is to ward off any interest from other clubs including Inter Milan now handled by former Chelsea-trainer Jose Mourinho.

Sources close to the player have said the midfield engine is happy with the new deal after being assured of first team action by new coach Luiz Felipe Scolari.

Essien has been one of Chelsea's most consistent performers after arriving from Lyon three years ago in a 24.4 million pound move, the highest ever for an African.

He becomes the latest Chelsea star to pen an improved agreement after full-back Wayne Bridge.