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Michael Essien believes his and Didier Drogba’s impressive performances at Chelsea have changed the perception of European clubs and made them more willing to spend big on African players.
The former Ghana international said there were doubts about the suitability of African players for the big European leagues. That, Essien said, changed after he and Drogba excelled during their time together at Chelsea after being signed by Jose Mourinho.
« It’s always a big question if there is a big transfer for an African player. Didier [Drogba] was there, he showed it a year before I arrived [à Chelsea] and I followed, Essien told Sky Sports. I think he gave some confidence to the rest of the clubs by allowing them to spend money and trust the process« .
“We are part of the generation that created this opportunity for the others to come”
Michael Essien on inspiring other African footballers to make it to the Premier League 💙 pic.twitter.com/cG4BRonkDu
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 4, 2024
Essien became Chelsea’s record signing when the Blues paid £24.4million to lure him away from Lyon in 2005. He spent almost a decade at Stamford Bridge, helping the London club to two league titles. Premier League, four FA Cups and the UEFA Champions League in 2012.
The Ghanaian also played with Real Madrid and AC Milan before ending his career after a brief stint with Azerbaijani club Sabail FK. Essien has since taken charge of the bench and is currently assistant first team coach at Danish club FC Nordsjaelland. He also recently acquired the UEFA A and UEFA Elite Youth A licenses.
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2024-01-06 16:21:28
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