Chelsea legend Michael Essien was spotted at the Bridge on Monday, but the immediate assumption was that he was here just to visit and take in the festivities of the first match of the season against West Ham United.
ADVERTISEMENT
Ex-Ghana star plays for Chelsea AGAIN in friendly game
On Wednesday, alongside several fringe players and youngsters, he even participated in a closed-doors friendly at Cobham against a Brentford B side, which featured former Chelsea hopeful Josh McEachran, also fresh off (another) season full of injuries.
The now 33-year-old Essien isn't quite retired yet however, though he's currently unattached after agreeing to terminate his contract early at Panathinaikos.
The ex-Ghana midfielder made only 15 appearances last season for the Greek outfit, battling injuries and form for most of the season, after doing much the same the previous two seasons at Chelsea and AC Milan.
Injuries of course have been as much of a defining factor throughout Essien's career as his once unparalleled combination of physicality and skill, but it would appear that he's still trying to give it a go and he's come back to Chelsea not just to visit but perhaps to also try to get back into fighting shape.
ADVERTISEMENT
Chelsea lined up a side of very few youngsters and certainly had the advantage on paper. Lucas Piazon, Loic Remy, Michael Essien, Patrick Bamford, Kenneth Omeruo, Christian Atsu and Kennedy all played a part in the match.
JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!
ADVERTISEMENT
Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:
Email: eyewitness@pulse.com.gh
Recommended articles
The Intersection of Enthusiasm: United Kingdom's local motorsports and Ghana's rising stars
Video: Watch Fatawu Issahaku’s hat trick in Leicester City’s win against Southampton
RTU suspends coach Abdulai Mumin over match-fixing allegations
Hearts of Oak are better off playing with an empty post than using Richard Attah – Taylor
Sorry for causing you a lot of pain – Dr. Prosper Ogum apologizes to Kotoko fans
Govt hasn't paid us – African Games gold medalist Winnifred Ntumi 'cries' out
Dumsor is part of the reasons why we lost against Legon Cities – Hearts of Oak coach
Black Stars midfielder Daniel Kofi Kyereh to miss rest of season due to injury
