Michael Essien Happy To Be At Chelsea, Wants A Break From Ghana
Michael Essien told reporters that he is happy to be back with the Blues after his injury plagued season, which caused him to miss most of last season and the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
The midfielder, who was undoubtedly the heart of the Chelsea midfield played little role in their first double last season. He was recovering from serious injuries, which also caused him to give up captaining the Ghanaian national team at the World Cup.
The 27 year old was ecstatic to be back, he told reporters after the 6-0 thrashing of West Brom, “It was great to be back. There's relief there, too, of course. It was so frustrating to be back in that position, out of the team and in the treatment room, but these things happen.”
However, Essien has revealed that he will be putting his international duties aside to focus on his club, which he feels he has had to neglect because of his stubborn injuries. He told a local newspaper, “I think I will be taking a break. Not retiring, just not playing all the time. I have to take the right decision for myself.”
The holding midfielder feels that his country performed well in the World Cup, and can do fine without him in the upcoming tournaments. He said he understood if people were disappointed with his decision. As expected, the reactions to his decision were mixed.
Some fans were disappointed and did not support his decision, saying he had the same likelihood of getting injured at Chelsea then he did with the Black Stars. Others said he had the right to choose, and since he wasn’t retiring his services would still be available to his country.
Coach Milovan Rajevac released a statement urging Essien to return, “Michael is still an important component of this side, he is a special player. Essien brings a special dimension to this team. We are looking forward to having him back with us.”
Essien has 51 caps for his country and has had the honor of representing Ghana at every level, expect for the Olympics. This season, Essien started both the Premier League games at Chelsea, both of which the Blues won 6-0. This is the first time he’s played since last December, and his contribution has been crucial so far.
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