Michael Essien fires Chelsea warning: I won't return to sit on the bench

Published on: 24 April 2013
Michael Essien fires Chelsea warning: I won't return to sit on the bench
Michael Essien

Ghana midfielder Michael Essien has fired a disguised warning to Chelsea that he will not return to the English Premier League side to sit on the bench.

The powerhouse midfielder is expected to return to Chelsea in the summer after completing his loan stint with Real Madrid but could leave the club if he is put on the bench.

Essien was surprisingly shipped out on loan to Real Madrid in August after struggling to recapture his best form last season following a serious knee injury.

But he has proved to be an important part of Jose Mourinho’s star-studded squad by filling in wherever required and played most of the matches for the Spanish giants since joining them.

The Ghanaian has been made to play in several positions at Real Madrid and has excelled at the right-back to the delight of Chelsea fans who are eager to see him back at Stamford Bridge.

The 30-year-old will return to the Blues in the summer knowing he faces an uncertain future with his playing time at the English side.

But Essien says he is only keen on playing competitively which will help him rediscover his touch.

“It’s been good, I can’t complain. I’m happy and have enjoyed the football,” Essien said when asked about gaining more playing time at Real Madrid.

“I’ve played a lot at right-back and I’ve enjoyed playing.

“It doesn’t matter what position, it is just nice to be on the pitch.”

Essien faces an uncertain future with the Blues looking for a successor to unpopular interim manager Rafa Benitez.

But should Mourinho follow Essien back from Spain, the Ghanaian is likely to return to the first-team mix next term as the Special One has high regard for the midfielder.

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