 | MICHAEL ESSIEN FACTFILE Nationality: Ghanaian
Age: 22
Place of birth Accra, Ghana
Position: Right-footed midfielder
Clubs: Bastia (2000-2003), Lyon (2003- )
Did you know... His dream coach is Arsenal's Arsene Wenger One of his childhood friends is Anthony Obodai of Ajax His favourite actress is Halle Berry |
Michael Essien says he has an agreement with Lyon that they will allow him to move to Chelsea for the right price. Lyon have so far rejected the Blues' advances for the the 22-year-old Ghana international and chairman Jean-Michel Aulas has insisted he is not for sale.
But Essien said: "I know directors of both clubs are to see each other again in the next few days.
"I have the chairman's word that he will do everything to find an agreement with Chelsea as soon as possible."
Essien was sent off in Lyon's draw with Columbian side Once Caldas in South Korea on 15 July.
He has been the subject of �17m and �18m bids from Chelsea this summer, but Lyon are holding out for �30m, and the stalemate has left Essien frustrated.
"I did not take part in the talks. It's up to the two clubs now to agree. I have made my choice. I want to go to Chelsea," he added.
"I have made the directors understand I can no longer stay at Lyon. My decision is firm and definitive.
"The chairman knows he can't keep a player against his will. He and manager Gerard Houllier understand that."
MMIX
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Match of the Day - Post-match interviews 