Michael Essien: Last News

Premier League, it makes it almost impossible to withstand the pressure forever, with many players moving on towards the latter stages of their career.Sometimes a venture elsewhere in Europe is favoured, while some choose to explore America or Australia, with many making a name for themselves in the MLS or the A-League. India and China have also become attractive propositions in recent years, but Indonesia has also proved to be a popular destination.It may not be as publicised as other alternative leagues, but a handful of former Premier League players have moved their in the past, including ex-West Ham star Carlton Cole.

Jermain Defoe is set to pull on the Rangers jersey one more time as part of a star-studded Ibrox heroes XI that will face a legends team.

Tom Henning Ovrebo's name to any Chelsea fan and you'll send a shiver down their spine.It's been exactly 13 years since he became public enemy number one at Stamford Bridge after controversially waving away four strong penalty shouts as the Blues were dumped out of the Champions League by Barcelona - courtesy of a 93rd-minute Andres Iniesta winner.The image of the Spaniard wheeling away in ecstasy is a memory every Chelsea supporter will have tried desperately to supress, but as far as Ovrebo goes, they've refused to forget.The Norwegian's blundersome performance sparked all manner of conspiracy theories, and to this day many Blues fans are still convinced of his corruption, but after nearly a decade-and-a-half Ovrebo has finally admitted that he should have awarded Chelsea at least one penalty that night."I don't think the Chelsea supporters are correct when they claim four of five penalties, but I think everybody that knows football and the laws of the game knows there should have been a penalty given," he told the Daily Mail.Michael Essien had given Guus Hiddink's side an early lead with a thunderous volley from the edge of the box, but the visitors only needed to equalise to progress to the final. As such, Chelsea went hunting for a two-goal cushion, but found themselves battling more than just the Barcelona players to get it.The first penalty appeal came when Florent Malouda was hauled over by Dani Alves just inside the box, though Ovrebo bizarrely decided to award a free-kick instead.

Chelsea is heating up, as the process of selling the club Roman Abramovich has owned since 2003 continues.Potential buyers have until 9pm on Friday (March 18) to submit their final bids to buy the club to The Raine Group, the investment firm handling the takeover process.Several bidders have already gone public with their interest in the club and intentions to bid, including Chelsea fan Nick Candy and former US ambassador to the UK Woody Johnson.Therefore, here is a ranking of the richest bidders hoping to buy Chelsea as the deadline looms.Ghanaian gold miner Bernard Antwi Boasiako confirmed his intention to bid to buy Chelsea earlier this week but may struggle to do so on his own.According to Football.London, Boasiako has a net worth of just £7.7million through his ventures in the gold and farming industries in Africa.The reported £3billion price tag slapped on Chelsea has not fazed, Boasiako, though, and he wants to restore stability at the club and continue the legacy of Didier Drogba and Michael Essien.Chelsea fan Nick Candy is understood to be organising and leading a consortium that will bid to buy Chelsea ahead of Friday night's deadline.The property tycoon shares a joint net worth of £1.5billion with his brother and business partner Christian and has recruited Blues legend Gianluca Vialli as part of his bid.Candy was present at last Sunday's 1-0 league win over Newcastle United and the season ticket holder has been vocal in his calls for the club to be in safe hands with fan representation on the board.The overall net worth and value of the Saudi Media Group is currently unknown, although the consortium is being led by Mohamed Alkhereiji, who is valued at £1.7billion.Alkhereiji and the Saudi Media Group are

Chelsea after confirming his interest in buying the club.The 45-year-old’s desire to launch a bid emerged last week amid the Blues being hit by heavy sanctions. And it appears the politician and gold guru is unfazed by the whopping £3billion price-tag slapped on the club by Roman Abramovich.The Daily Mail report that Boasiako has now confirmed his interest through a spokesperson, who highlighted the business mogul’s desire to “enhance the club’s reputation” in Africa.

Gary Neville has revealed he knows who is behind the Manchester United leaks that are leaving his former club in disarray.

Steven Gerrard - deciding to prank the superstar instead.The action had Claude Makelele and Michael Essien in stitches ahead of the 2006 clash with Liverpool, while John Terry offered him a congratulatory pat on the head.While Gerrard, who laughed off the audacious prank later admitted: "If it was an adult I would have wanted to wring their neck!"But, 16-years-later, Nickless is now looking to break into the professional game himself.And the youngster has been bouncing around some famous Non-League sides such as Dulwich Hamlet and Billericay Town in recent season."I remember my dad putting me up to it," Nickless recently told SPORTbible."I kept saying I wasn't going to do it and I think he eventually believed it, so he stopped."But in the moment I was just excited and thought why not.

HAVE YOUR SAY! What is your most memorable footballer rant? Comment below."Are you watching this? It’s a disgrace. It's a f**king disgrace,” screamed a wild-eyed Drogba into the nearest TV camera.

Chelsea's 2009 Champions League semi-final defeat to Barcelona.The Blues were beaten on away goals after Andres Iniesta scored a stoppage time equaliser for Barca at Stamford Bridge following a controversial refereeing performance.Norwegian Tom Henning Ovrebo was heavily criticised after the match having failed to award a penalty to the hosts after two strong claims after challenges on Didier Drogba.Drogba and Bosingwa led the post-match criticism of Ovrebo and were ultimately handed six and four-match bans, respectively, for their actions.Chelsea had taken an early lead through a screamer from Michael Essien before Eric Abidal was sent off for Barcelona in the second half.However, with Iniesta's 93rd minute equaliser providing Barcelona

Champions League semi-final second-leg between Chelsea and Barcelona in 2009, finely poised at 0-0.But the Norwegian's reputation was damaged beyond repair as Chelsea crashed out in West London.Andres Iniesta's stunning equaliser in stoppage-time sent Barca through to the final on away goals after Michael Essien's sensational volley.But the game is best remembered for Ovrebo's incompetent officiating.Ovrebo waved away four Chelsea penalty appeals, including a huge handball shout when Michael Ballack's shot struck Samuel Eto'os arm after Iniesta had netted late on.His decisions prompted furious scenes, as rage-fuelled Ballack chased the referee down.

Chelsea to win a Premier League title, it’s Michael Essien.The ex-Ghana international was a crucial part of two title-winning sides at Stamford Bridge under Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti, racking up over 250 appearances for the Blues.So when he looks at the team Thomas Tuchel has at Chelsea and says they’re good enough to be champions of England, most would be inclined to agree.Essien, speaking exclusively to Ladbrokes, said: “I'm going to say Chelsea win the league next season, based on how good they've looked since Thomas Tuchel has taken over.“They're my first choice for the title, then it's obviously going to be Man United, Liverpool and Man City who will be right up there with them.”Tuchel has had a transformative effect since

Football legend Paul Canoville has beaten Covid-19 twice and almost died after six weeks in intensive care.

Thomas Partey may have signed for Arsenal last week, but he maintains his biggest footballing hero and the greatest player ever is a former Chelsea star.

Edouard Mendy has opened up on his delight at following in the footsteps of many African footballing greats by signing for Chelsea.

David Moyes says he tried and failed to sign three household names while he was Manchester United boss.

Football exists beyond just the biggest clubs - and these players prove it.

Jose Mourinho did everything in his power to stop Michael Essien leaving Chelsea in order to join bitter rivals Arsenal when the midfielder's time in west London was coming to a close.