• Premier League

Real Madrid loan Essien from Chelsea

ESPN staff
August 31, 2012
Michael Essien joined Chelsea in 2005 © PA Photos
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Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien has joined Real Madrid on a season-long loan.

Essien, 29, will reunite with Real boss Jose Mourinho, who also managed him at Stamford Bridge.

He joined Chelsea in 2005 from Lyon and became a first-team regular under Mourinho, but injuries have curtailed his involvement in recent seasons.

He was not part of the matchday squad as Chelsea were beaten 4-1 by Atletico Madrid on Friday in the UEFA Super Cup.

Earlier on Friday, Essien had been linked with a temporary switch to Arsenal.

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