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The Juan Mata talk has dominated the transfer airwaves, there's also been a lot of chat over the past few days about sending another formerly key player away: Michael Essien. Although Essien's long past his best, he was at one point the best midfielder on the planet, and now it looks as though an appreciative Chelsea are allowing him to choose his own future.
Mourinho on Essien: 'He is in a position at the moment where he can go or stay. We are more than happy for him to stay.'
— Chelsea FC (@chelseafc) January 24, 2014
Mourinho on Essien: 'He is a great club man. Another player who has given everything for this Club.' #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@chelseafc) January 24, 2014
Personally, I think it's probably time for everyone to move on. We've seen the Bison at his pomp, a monster who could boss the midfield in his sleep, and it's been fairly painful to see the toll age and injuries have taken on the man. If Essien does go, he'll go with the blessings and love of virtually every Chelsea supporter on the planet. What an absolute marvel of a player he was.