Former Nigeria skipper Mikel Obi says Ghana midfield icon Michael Essien was “underrated” throughout his years in the Premier League.
Essien was signed from Lyon in 2005 by Jose Mourinho, joining the Blues for a then club record fee of £24.4m.
The midfielder endeared himself to Chelsea fans, scoring crucial goals for the Blues, not least a screamer against Barcelona in the 2009 Champions League semi-finals and crucial long range efforts in ‘big games.”
Despite this, Essien had a topsy turvy time at Chelsea, with injury denying the Ghanaian the opportunity to showcase his quality for Chelsea regularly.
Nigeria midfielder Mikel Obi was signed by the Blues 12 months after Essien’s arrival after impressing in the 2005 Youth Championships.
Essien and Mikel went on to play 125 matches together for Chelsea, winning 82, drawing 23 and losing 20.
Reflecting on Essien’s Chelsea career Mikel Obi told TNT Sports.
“Michael Essien didn’t get the recognition he deserved. We talk about so many great midfielders, not just in Chelsea but in the Premier League.We called him the train. When he goes, it is difficult to stop; power, speed, technique. Everything he had.”
Essien ultimately ended his Chelsea career with eight trophies; 2 Premier League crowns, 4 FA Cups, 1 Champions League and 1 League Cup.
After a loan move at Real Madrid in the 2012/13 season, Essien brought his 8-and-a-half-year stay in London to an end by joining AC Milan.
