‘I used to be near signing for Liverpool – I went to Melwood to satisfy the coach’
Michael Essien was a Chelsea mainstay for nearly 10 years, and was no stranger to an absolute belter of a aim. His accolades in England embrace two Premier League titles, a Champions League in addition to three FA Cups, and a League Cup.
His trophy cupboard could have seemed a little bit completely different had he chosen as an alternative to make the change as much as Liverpool, and who is aware of what he might’ve achieved?
That virtually occurred when Essien was at his first French membership, Bastia, with the long run Blues ace even trekking as much as Melwood to have a chat with the gaffer.
READ MORE: Mykhailo Mudryk tells Kieran Trippier ‘s*** occurs’ as blunder prices Newcastle at Chelsea
READ MORE: Chelsea’s failed bidders now as Todd Boehly catastrophe lurches on – authorized battle to fraudster
Speaking on Instagram Live, Essien said: “I had a lot of offers. I was close to signing for Liverpool when Gerard Houllier was their coach. I even went to Melwood to meet the coach.
“We had a talk, and I returned to France, but the offers were still coming from PSG, Marseille and a few others. But, I told Bastia I didn’t want to move, and they also didn’t want to sell me at that time because they wanted me to stay for another year, which was fine with me.”
(Image: GETTY)
Essien went on to spend two years with Lyon, showing over 70 instances for the French outfit and choosing up back-to-back league titles to go along with his 2005 Ligue 1 Player of the Year award.
He added: “I thought it was too early to move to England. That was why I joined Lyon and later moved to Chelsea under Mourinho. Lyon was my favourite team when I went to France because they were winning everything. I told my agent that if Lyon have come into the picture, I’d like to join them.”
Get your final World Darts Championship 2024 preview right here
It’s essentially the most great time of the 12 months – and we have got the proper journal to get you within the Ally Pally spirit!
With this 12 months’s PDC World Darts Championship set to be one other thriller, Daily Star Sport have ready your final 40-page preview journal to get you prepared for all issues arrows.
From interviews with Grand Slam of Darts champion Luke Humphries and former world champions Gary Anderson and Rob Cross to in depth options on the PDC’s angriest moments and why they begin on 501 – we have got you coated.
Order yours to purchase instantly proper right here!
(Image: GETTY)
The switch was not with out its controversy, nonetheless, as a suggestion from PSG had been accepted regardless of Essien’s desired location being that of the champions.
He stated: “PSG have been then severe about signing me to the extent that they made a suggestion. I used to be again dwelling at the moment, and the decision got here that PSG had made a bid for me. It was even on nationwide tv that I had signed for PSG, which I had not as a result of I used to be nonetheless in Ghana.
“There have been quite a lot of controversies happening between the board and my agent, so after I went again to Bastia, we met with the board members and the president, and I informed them I’d want to affix Lyon, though I appreciated Paris.
Do you assume Michael Essien was underrated? Let us know within the feedback part under
(Image: GETTY)
Join the Daily Star’s WhatsApp for the sexiest headlines, showbiz gossip and much extra
The Daily Star is now on WhatsApp and we would like you to affix us!
Through the app, we’ll ship you the sassiest showbiz tales, some naught headline and a seismic smattering of aliens…together with the newest breaking information in fact.
To be a part of our neighborhood, all you must do to affix is click on on this hyperlink, choose ‘Join Chat’ and also you’re in!
No one will be capable of see who has enroll and nobody can ship messages aside from the Daily Star workforce. We additionally deal with our neighborhood members to competitions, particular provides, promotions, and adverts from us and our companions.
If you don’t like our neighborhood, you possibly can take a look at any time you want. To go away our neighborhood click on on the title on the high of your display and select Exit group. If you’re curious, you possibly can learn our Privacy Notice.
“I was really caught between PSG and Lyon, but my preference was always Lyon. I then spoke to the president and their coach. I gave them my word that when I return from my holidays in Ghana, I’ll do everything to sign for them.”
When he did ultimately go away France for the blue of west London in a deal that made him the most costly African footballer in historical past on the time, Essien turned an important piece of the Chelsea puzzle.