New Panathinaikos star Michael Essien is highest paid player in Greece with net income worth over €1.6m a year

Michael Essien has emerged the highest paid player in Greece with his move to Panathinaikos.

The Ghana midfielder will be earning a net income in excess of €1.6m per year in his two-year deal with the Greens.

The breakdown of Essien's net yearly salary includes bonuses for feat achieved such as playing over 60% of official matches, winning the league and qualifying for the group stage of the Champions League.

Essien was set to sign for a club the MLS until the mouthwatering offer from Panathinaikos came along.

And with alongside the prospect of remaining relevant in World football by playing the in Champions League, the Ghanaian found the offer too good to refuse.

The former Chelsea star arrived as a free agent with his contract at AC Milan expiring at the end of last season.

Below is the breakdown of Essien’s yearly salary with Panathinaikos: