Michael Essien to AC Milan is done, according to reports

Some members of the Italian media are now reporting that Michael Essien will be joining AC Milan on a permanent transfer. Gianluca Di Marzio is reporting that Essien will be allowed to leave the club on a free transfer, and that he'll be signing an 18-month deal in Milan. Gabriel Marcotti is reporting the same, while adding that Essien was willing to take a pay cut.

Essien to AC Milan is done. 18 month deal, no fee, reports @dimarzio Heard from some1 else he also took pay cut. Had CFC deal thru 2015

— Gabriele Marcotti (@Marcotti) January 24, 2014

If correct, this is a truly sad day for Chelsea fans. Essien was one of the finest midfielders on Earth in his day, and has been a fantastic servant to the club. It's a real shame that knee injuries created such havoc with his career, as football is better when Michael Essien is playing. At least he'll get the chance to do so regularly with Milan.

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