Michael Essien to join Melbourne Victory

Former Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien will finalize his proposed move to Australian side Melbourne Victory in the coming days.

The Ghana international was training at the Blues' Cobham training centre after he released Panathinaikos earlier in June, and he will now head for a fresh challenge in the A-League.

“Melbourne Victory can confirm it has made enquiries about securing former Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien as a full season guest marquee player for the 2016-17 season,” the club made the statement which was quoted on The Herald Sun.

The 33-year-old, who is no longer in the reckoning for his national side, has had a tough path since he left Chelsea in January 2014. He had an unsuccessful 18-month stint with AC Milan whilst his stay at Panathinaikos was cut short a year earlier with the club deciding to integrate younger players into their squad.

Michael Essien is well known for his time at Stamford Bridge where he won four FA Cups, two Premier League titles and the Champions League between 2005 and 2014.