My Experience With Lyon Was Good - Essien

Former Ghana international Michael Essien says his days with French Ligue 1 side, Lyon, was a time well spent for which he has no regrets.

Speaking to in an interview with Chelsea's official website, the 35-year-old midfield powerhouse said he developed some affection for the French club for the three years that he played and still has friends in the club.

“I had two or three years with Lyon and it was good, I enjoyed myself and I still have some friends there,” Essien said.

The former Chelsea and Real Madrid star said he did not hesitate at all when the club came knocking at his doors for his services.

He explained that he acceptance of the offer from the French club was because he knew about their pedigree as giants in the French league and praised Lyon for helping him blossom into a world-class player which led to his subsequent transfer to Chelsea.

“It was good for my career. Lyon is one of the biggest clubs in France and I remember when they came in for me, I just said yes straight away. I kept developing there and I got a big move to Chelsea."

Essien, who also had stints with AC Milan in 2014 before moving to Panathinaikos, said several years after exiting Lyon, the Former French champions still maintained their quality as one of the strongest forces in the French league and believed they had something to offer in the Ligue 1.

"Lyon are still a good side. We just saw one of the boys, Bertrand Traore, go there and he will have something to prove. It’s a friendly game but in football, there are no friendlies – it should be a good match and hopefully, I’ll get to watch it.

"I think we are all looking forward to the new season because last year was a bit disappointing for us. We have a new manager and we have to support him – hopefully, we will have a good season."