ESSIEN WILL FIGHT

Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien has said that he will fight for his future at the club, despite reports linking him with a return to France. The 29-year-old midfielder was once regarded as the best defensive midfielder in the world. Apart from his defensive abilities, the former Lyon midfielder also had an impressive engine that helped him score very important goals for the club as well. However, after suffering two anterior cruciate ligament injuries in the last two seasons, his pace has dropped significantly. He has also not been able to nail down a first-team spot with the club.

As a result, it is thought that the club will be willing to listen to offers for the player. Chelsea have been extremely active in the summer transfer window in a bid to reduce the age of the squad. At 29 years of age, Michael Essien is definitely one of the experienced members of the squad. Hence, there have been rumours that Chelsea are willing to listen to offers for both Michael Essien and the 32-year-old midfielder Florent Malouda. The Ghana midfielder, though, has said that he wants to stay at the club and fight for his place. Michael Essien still has many years left on his current contract.

"My intention is to stay and I'm looking forward to a new season. I still have two more years here. I'm still here, I'm still around. I feel now that I am coming back to what I used to be. It's been a long road but I am almost there. It's always frustrating when you are injured and not playing but you have to work and stay positive. I'm the sort of person who is very calm, I'm a very positive person. I just get on with what I have to do, what work I have to do," Essien told the Telegraph.