Ex-Chelsea Star Michael Essien Signs One-Year Deal with Indonesian Team Persib Bandung

Indonesian club Persib Bandung announced early Tuesday that they have signed former Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien to a one-year deal.

Ex-Chelsea Star Michael Essien Signs with Indonesian Club Persib Bandung

The 34-year-old Ghanaian’s contract includes an option for a one-year extension.

Essien— who has also played for Real Madrid and AC Milan— made over 250 appearances in all competitions with Chelsea, spending a season on loan at Real Madrid before finally leaving in 2014.

With Chelsea, Essien won two Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League and four FA Cups.

However, Essien has said that he expects some more high-profile names to follow him to his new club. 

“I hope I am the prelude to other world players moving to Indonesia,” said the veteran. “Hopefully this is a good beginning for Indonesian football and also for Persib. Thank you for bringing me here. I’m excited and want to give my best.”

Essien also played 12 league games for Greek club Panathinaikos during the 2015-16 season.

Before his move to Chelsea in 2005, the midfielder excelled for French club Lyon. At Stamford Bridge, he suffered a string of injuries, including an ACL tear during the pre-season of the 2011-12 season.

Persib are one of the biggest clubs in Indonesia and were crowned as the nation’s champions as recently as 2014.

UTRECHT, NETHERLANDS – SEPTEMBER 09: Michael Essien of Ghana in action during the international friendly match between Ghana and Japan at Stadion Galgenwaard on September 9, 2009 in Utrecht, Netherlands. (Photo by Koji Watanabe/Getty Images)