Michael Essien constantly keeps tabs on former club Chelsea

Chelsea great Michael Essien has revealed that he keeps a close watch on the Blues progress on television whenever he gets an opportunity. The Ghana international is currently in the ranks of Indonesian outfit Persib Bandung whom he joined as a free-agent earlier in March.

Speaking on 'The John Dykes' show which recently returned on FOX Sports Asia, the veteran midfielder revealed that he spares some time at night to watch the Premier League holders in action, he said: "It is very possible to love domestic clubs but also outside clubs and I still watch Chelsea matches at night because in the morning I have to practice (with Persib)."

Essien had a trophy-laden spell in west London between 2005 and 2014, where he won two Premier League titles, four FA Cups and the most prestigious Champions League. Injuries hampered the Ghanaian in the latter stages of his Blues' career, but he is nevertheless regarded as one of his country's best exports of all time - if not the greatest.

At Persib Bandung, Essien has enjoyed good success with five goals in 27 appearances in the Liga 1, but the club's form has been an overall disappointment as they lie 12th in the standings with one game left in the season.
The enforcer presently has the option of a one-year extension clause in his contract, but the final outcome could be dependent on the club, who have paid hefty wages to welcome Essien to the Far East.

The former Real Madrid and AC Milan ace earns a yearly wage of around $615,000-a-week, but his salary has been further boosted by a $500,000 endorsement deal from Adidas, who have used him as their brand ambassador in Ghana. Meanwhile, Essien's ex-club Chelsea have had a testing season in the Premier League this term, and they are currently trailing table-toppers Manchester City by nine points after just 11 matches into the campaign.