Michael Essien rarely speaks to the press, but when the decision says it all.
His career in Panathinaikos has spent a thousand waves. On the apotheosis upon his arrival in June, skepticism and frustration due to injury and from there to the high expectations that existed until the recent controversy and the decapitation of the lineup.
The former Chelsea ace of the exclusive interview with gazzetta.gr seems highly conscious about the future of Panathinaikos, but the situation in Greek football.
The Essien in any case does not mince his words, but as a huge range player with enviable career comes forward taking place for everything attributed to him.
As emphasized in gazzetta.gr is willing to hear the official position of Panathinaikos for the future of the "clover", the notorious counter with the Stramatsoni, which as stated has never been, while claiming that the reason is not fighting the lately not to a ruling by the Italian technician!
While answering what the charge for the derby against Olympiakos in "Karaiskaki", while explaining why failed to assert Panathinaikos league.
- Michael heard a lot about your future to Panathinaikos. You talk with the team? What are your intentions?
" I have not spoken directly with the president, but I know for some backroom discussions. Daily written many stories about me and my relationship with the club, but many of them are not true. I know that the team is planning the shots and will formally wait to inform me about what they expect from me in the future. I am sure you will inform me at the end of the season. "
- If Panathinaikos decide to terminate your contract what is your reaction?
"If the club decides to break my contract I would accept and move forward. Obviously there are contractual obligations that will have to solve before it happens, but I am quite experienced to know that if you're not wanted somewhere should proceed. This is the life of the player and is part of our work. "
- He had to speak of an incident you had with Andrea Stramatsoni after the derby. It is true; What is your relationship with the coach of Panathinaikos?
"He's lying. There is no truth in this. I never had against any coach in my career and there fell out with coach Stramatsoni.
I do not know who wrote this story. Both the coach, and I laugh at that. It's a shame because I'm not the guy who fights with coaches. Even when the 'daddy' Jose Mourinho left me in my last season at Chelsea outside mission for the Champions League match, although I was disappointed we talked like men and not quarreled. My relationship with coach Stramatsoni is very good and chatting about various things every day. I have much respect for Stramatsoni, because although it is not easy for him always shows me respect and I feel the same. "
- What is the reason for not playing lately? What the Stramatsoni has told you?
"As far as I know is not the case for technical reasons, or has to do with injury problems. I am healthy and I train every day since last October when my injury was going better. There is no concern for injuries to my discussions with the coaching staff. Not due to technical reasons or any problem related to football.
It must be something else, but I guess that is something that must be answered by someone else. As for me, I am always ready to fight, but I do not have this possibility in recent months. "
- Several were written for you about your attitude in the derby against Olympiakos, that is not helped Panathinaikos enough. Do you think that it excesses of media;
"Unfortunately, many stories are written is not true and inflated by the press. It is part of this football. It is nice because sometimes posing as a bad character. Always when I am on the pitch I give 100% and I will continue to always do this. All the stories about the match against Olympiakos and other games are not real. "
- All through Panathinaikos talk with the best words for your professionalism. What are your relationships with your teammates and the coaching staff?
"My relationship with the team is wonderful. We all have contacts with each other and there is no issue. I also have a good relationship with the coaching staff and coach Stramatsoni whom I respect very much. "
- Do you regret your decision to continue your career in Greece and Panathinaikos?
"No, I regret that I came to Greece to play football. I know that things did not work as planned, but I have some great friends and people who are always friendly and nice towards me.
The robbery at my house affected me a little and made me feel as unwelcome, but I am fine now and enjoy the rest of the season. "
- At the start of the season when you were injured you feel any extra pressure from the club, fans or even the media?
"Always I am honest with myself, so I did not feel any pressure. Injuries are part of the game. With more interested in how I will be perfectly well to help the team than to worry about what is happening around me. I apotherapeftho and help the team. This interested during the season. I knew that if I become well will contribute to the team. "
- Why do you think Panathinaikos failed to claim the championship from Olympiakos?
"I think the honest answer to this question is that because Olympiakos won more games than we do. Generally, I think it is fair to say that during the season performed better than us and were able to lose fewer games than all other groups.
To lose points with all this fuss (pp cancellation of Derby Avenue) did not help us and I hope the fans can learn from this. "
- Do you think Panathinaikos will be able to take first place in the playoffs championship?
"Of course, that is the goal. But it will not be easy because AEK is in shape, but we have good team and we can win important games.
I am convinced that we can become number one in the playoffs. We have to work hard to defeat any team deal because it will not be easy. We are ready for it. "
Source: Gazzetta.gr