Ghanaian midfielder Ahmed "Ciro Barusso" Ampimah, who played with Essien as kids, was invited by the Chelsea star to watch the Champions league clash with Porto at Stamford Bridge in March. 23-year-old Barusso just signed a deal with AS Roma. Like somebody suggested on the Ghanaweb soccer forum: "LeRoy should pair Barusso and Essien. Opponents would have to choose their poison: the Bison or Ciro!!!"