• Premier League

Essien keen to rejoin 'Daddy' Jose at Chelsea

ESPN staff
June 5, 2013

Michael Essien has credited Jose Mourinho for reviving his career and now he hopes his return to form can continue alongside the Portuguese tactician at Chelsea.

Mourinho made a surprise move to bring what appeared to be a fading Essien to Real Madrid in last summer's transfer window, with the Ghana international playing more than even he expected as he joined the ranks of stars at the Bernabeu.

Yet with his loan move with Real Madrid coming to an end, Essien has set his sights on re-establishing himself at Chelsea, after he was instantly reunited with returning Stamford Bridge with the manager he jokingly calls 'Daddy.'

"When Mourinho wants me to do a job for him, I will do it," Essien told the Evening Standard. "He is a great manager and everybody is happy to have him back. Jose is the right man to take the club forward. It is good for him to be here and we will see what happens.

"I have got my energy back and I feel I can do a job for the team again. It was important for me to play a lot of games and prove my fitness. Now I have, I am happy to play wherever is best for the team.

"I have got two years left [on his Chelsea contract]. I have not spoken with Jose about my future yet so I will see if he wants me."

Essien produced a star turn for Chelsea in Mourinho's first stint as Blues manager following his £24.4m move from Lyon in August 2005, but injuries have halted his progress in recent years.

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