AC Milan chief Galliani asked Ancelotti about Essien before signing him

Milan director Adriano Galliani has claimed that he spoke with Carlo Ancelotti before signing Michael Essien.

The Ghana international was officially unveiled as a Rossoneri player at a Press conference this afternoon.

And the board member has revealed that he had a conversation with the Real Madrid boss before bidding for the Chelsea midfielder.

"Thanks for being here for the presentation of Michael Essien, the latest reinforcement in January,” he told the gathered reporters.

“He is an important player who has played for some important teams such as Lyon, Chelsea, Real Madrid who need no introductions and now Milan.

“He is 31 years of age so has plenty of time for his great career to continue with us.

“I spoke with Carlo Ancelotti about Essien who spoke really well about him and this was one of the reasons why we chose to bring him to the club. Clarence Seedorf was also eager to sign Essien.

“This decision came about because of the suspension to Riccardo  Montolivo and Sulley Muntari in the Champions League matches. This led us to bring in another midfielder who could play in the Champions League.”