Essien: I could NEVER play against Chelsea

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Chelsea legend Michael Essien has only furthered his reputation amongst Blues fans by declaring he could never play for another Premier League side.

Essien, who left the club on a free transfer for AC Milan in January 2014, played more than 250 times for the West London club, scoring 25 goals and winning multiple major honours.

A then record signing from Olympique Lyonnais, the Ghanaian international cost Roman Abramovich a hefty £24.4 million - but that investment can be seen as money well spent.

'The Bison', as Essien was affectionately known amongst the Chelsea faithful due to his marauding runs from midfield and his boundless energy, scored arguably

when he volleyed the Blues ahead in an ill-fated draw with Barcelona in 2009.

Essien has reportedly snubbed a move to Chelsea's local rivals QPR and has also turned down West Brom as he seeks a new club in Europe - as he does not want to play against his former club.

The 32 year old, out of contract with Milan in the summer and unlikely to be handed a new deal, is instead setting his sights on a move elsewhere in Europe.

Though UEFA Champions League football could bring about the possibility of Essien one day playing against the Blues in European competition, the Ghanaian has ruled out the possibility of playing for another English club - and is shocked that Frank Lampard could have the heart to do so.

Lampard, who left Chelsea for Manchester City in the summer, has not only played against the Blues but also scored against them in a 1-1 draw at the Etihad Stadium in September.

The Blues' highest scorer of all time is now, injury permitting, set to return to Stamford Bridge for the first time as a rival player - but that is something Essien simply could not stomach.

"It will be a very strange situation [for Frank]. I cannot see myself doing that against Chelsea", said Essien.

Essien insists that playing against the Blues in Europe - just as Didier Drogba did for Galatasaray last year - would "be different", but claims he could not compete against his club of nine seasons in the Premier League, unlike Lampard.

"But, at the end of the day it’s another game and he [Lampard] is a professional".

Essien believes that Chelsea fans will not forget what Lampard gave the club: "I believe the Chelsea fans are always going to give him their warmth and respect everything that he did for the club", he said. "I’m sure that they will give him a welcome".

With Arsenal supposedly interested in taking the former Blues star on a short-term deal, Essien concluded by saying it would "be difficult" to ever play for a "different team in England. Going back to play your old club when you’ve been there for so long... wow!".

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Proper legend. More than any other time, this means so much.