Angry Michael Essien slams 'cheap news' over his Panathinaikos fitness

Angry Panathinaikos midfielder Michael Essien has slammed widespread reports in the Greek media about his fitness as 'cheap news' insisting such 'lies' will not break his resolve.

This comes after several newspapers and radio stations in Greece reported on Monday that the Ghanaian midfielder is set to leave the Greek giants this summer because of concerns over hit fitness.

According to the reports, Essien, 30, has agreed to mutually terminate his Greens contract at the end of the season and the Greek media claim it is because of his fitness problems.

Essien has been restricted to just 13 appearances for Panathinaikos since his move from AC Milan in the summer and the last time he played for the club was against Olympiakos on March 13, 2016.

Despite the lack of playing time, Essien says he is fully fit and such reports are calculated to break him.

'When they cannot break you,then they start telling lies about you. I'm very well and fit… CheapNews. Jah bless still,' Essien posted on social media.

According to the reports in Greece the Ghana international has struggled to break into the team in recent times due to his problematic injuries.

Fit https://t.co/oMLeQAxZsi — Michael Essien (@MichaelEssien)

2013-07-22 14:22:09.0

The reports claim there is currently a big gulf between the club and the Ghanaian with both parties reported to have reached an agreement to mutually part ways.

Essien has been linked with a reunion with international teammate Sulley Muntari at Saudi side Al Ittihad.

The Ghanaian in the past has played for French sides Bastia and Lyon as well as Chelsea, Real Madrid and AC Milan.