The Ghana international had shone at Lyon, helping the club to consecutive Ligue 1 titles, and went on to establish himself as one of José Mourinho’s most trusted midfielders at Stamford Bridge, prized for his all-action energy, even if it took time for him to settle into the pace of English football.
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Over eight years at the club, he won two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, one League Cup and, in 2012, the Champions League, before a permanent move to AC Milan in January 2014, following an earlier loan spell at Real Madrid.
Essien’s combination of power, tackling and technical range made him one of the standout midfielders of his generation, and his signing remains a reference point whenever Chelsea’s transfer history under Mourinho’s first spell is discussed.
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