Michael Essien is among the best African players to play in England – Robert Pires

Arsenal legend Robert Pires has said that Michael Essien was one of the best African players who had graced the Premier League stage during his time at Chelsea. The former Ghana international spent nine years at Chelsea between 2005 and 2014 and in this period, he went on to win two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, one League Cup and the prestigious Champions League crown.

Speaking to Pulse Ghana, Pires was full of praise for the former Blues star and admitted that the Ghanaian was very competitive whenever the Gunners in the centre of the park, he said: “I played against him sometimes and he was very strong, very competitive and a very good player with impact, especially in his position. He had good technique too. You know if you play for Chelsea then it means you have quality and Michael Essien had talent and that's why he was successful at Chelsea.”

Meanwhile, “ when asked whether Essien was one of Africa’s best players to have graced“ the Premier League, Pires replied on the affirmative and suggested that the “midfielder is a very good“example for up and coming prospects from Ghana, he added: “Yes, I think so, because he was very, very good. And I repeat, for your country (Ghana), Michael Essien is a very good example for young players.”

Essien’s career was blighted by injuries, which hampered his gametime during the backend of his Blues stint, but he nevertheless made a strong impact with the supporters of the club. At 35, Essien has yet to hang up his boots and he most-recently featured for Persib Bandung in the Indonesian top-flight where he made 29 appearances. The veteran has recently suggested that he has plans to extend his career for a couple more years before stepping away from the playing field.