Michael Essien arrives in Athens as former Chelsea midfielder edges closer to Panathinaikos move

Published on: 02 June 2015
Michael Essien arrives in Athens as former Chelsea midfielder edges closer to Panathinaikos move
Essien arrived in Greece in to tumultuous welcome by Panathinaikos fans

  • Michael Essien is in Athens ahead of a planned move to Panathinaikos
  • The 32-year-old midfielder joins Panathinaikos as a free agent following the conclusion of an 18-month spell in Serie A with Milan
  • However, Essien is perhaps best known for his time as a Chelsea player between 2005 and 2014, where he won nine trophies

Ghana midfielder Michael Essien was given a massive welcomes reserved for legends as he arrived in the Greek capital Athens on Monday night to complete his move to local giants Panathinaikos.

This comes after Ghana's leading football news outfit Ghanasoccernet.com exclusively revealed that the AC Milan star will leave the Italian giants for Panathinaikos.

On the same night that Panathinaikos secured a Champions League qualifying spot with a 2-0 win over PAOK Salonica, their fans were given a further boost by a visit from Ghana international midfielder Michael Essien who is expected to join the Athens-based club this week.

The 32-year-old is currently a free agent following the conclusion of an 18-month spell at Milan and is ready to begin the next chapter of his career in Greece.

Essien took time to give interviews to the local media and posed for photographs with several Panathinaikos supporters.

Ghana international midfielder Michael Essien talks to the local media as he arrives in Athens

Ghana international midfielder Michael Essien talks to the local media as he arrives in Athens

Essien is expected to sign for Panathinaikos on a two-year deal later this week following a spell at Milan

Essien is expected to sign for Panathinaikos on a two-year deal later this week following a spell at Milan

The 32-year-old poses with  Panathinaikos supporters as he arrives at Athens International Airport

The 32-year-old poses with Panathinaikos supporters as he arrives at Athens International Airport

Essien is perhaps best known for his time playing for Chelsea between 2005 and 2014, where he won nine trophies, including two Premier League titles, four FA Cups and the Champions League.

He was also named the Blues' player of the year in 2007 and the scorer of their goal of the season in 2007 and 2009.

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