Outside of the whole weird, semi-creepy quotes about how Jose Mourinho is his "Daddy," we haven't really heard much from forgotten man Michael Essien. Which is a shame, really, as Essien at the peak of his powers was a glorious sight rivaled only by a very select few. I guess having nine (!!) surgeries over the years will tend to put a serious dent in that.
"I've suffered serious injuries and had nine major surgeries but thank God I am back and still playing."
-Michael Essien, TV3 Ghana via BBC
Many of these injuries he suffered while on international duty with Ghana and this fact was often cited as the cause for his international retirement in 2011. Turns out that's not entirely true. In fact, Essien wants to sit down with the Ghana FA and discuss his international future - much like his fellow countryman Kevin Prince-Boateng did not too long ago as well.
"I am trying to set up a meeting with the Ghana FA to settle some issues that will determine [my international future]."
"I never stopped playing. I just asked to be excused from international duty for a while."
"I've always been there for the nation and played at every age category so if they say I am unpatriotic, it's unfair."
-Michael Essien, TV3 Ghana via BBC
But what about his club future? Returning to Chelsea alongside Mourinho must feel like redemption to the man who was essentially deemed surplus to requirements not twelve months ago.
"I don't think I have anything to prove now - I've done that already,"
"I'm just looking to go back to Chelsea, train hard and make myself available."
"If the manager needs me, I will work hard for the team as much as I can."
-Michael Essien, TV3 Ghana via BBC
Adding Essien back into the Chelsea midfield is a welcome development in terms of depth and rotation. While his presence should not preclude the club from going after a true world class game-changer - think along the likes of Luka Modric - it should allow us to not have to waste money on "experience" in the forms of Wesley Sneijder or even Daniele De Rossi.
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