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)
Indonesian club Persib Bandung announced early Tuesday that they have signed former Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien to a one-year deal.
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.
Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!
A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.
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)
Bob Horner, one of the most recognizable names in Atlanta Braves history, died at age…
Kiké Hernández and the Los Angeles Dodgers suffered another injury setback this week when the…
Naomi Osaka had spectators on their feet after making a dramatic entrance for her French…
The Cleveland Cavaliers were swept in the Eastern Conference finals by the New York Knicks,…
Lionel Messi being substituted during an Inter Miami CF match due to muscle fatigue has…
Freddie Freeman may be entering the final years of his Hall of Fame baseball career,…