Michael Essien Reveals Drogba's Role In His Move To Chelsea

Ghana legend, Michael Essien has revealed that Ivorian international, Didier Drogba played an instrumental role in his move from Lyon to Chelsea.

Essien's move from the French Ligue 1 side to the Premier League is one of the most controversial transfers ever in the football world.

The midfield kingpin became the most valuable African footballer in 2005 when he joined Chelsea for a record fee of £24.4million.

In a revelation, Essien explained Drobga’s role in ensuring he joined Chelsea through a telephone conversation.

“It was not easy, I remember the first time I spoke to Jose, I went to Malouda’s house for a Barbeque and Drogba called him (Malouda) because they were very close and then Drogba asked him to tell me Jose wants my number,” Essien narrated to Super Sports journalist, Carol Tshabalala.

“And then he (Malouda) said Michael is here, we are having a Barbeque, so he passed the phone to me and I started speaking to Drogba, that is how it started and then I passed on my number to him and then he gave it to Jose and that was how everything started.”

The Ghanaian spent nine years at Chelsea where he made a huge mark for himself scoring 17 goals in 168 appearances for the Club.