![Michael Essien of Ghana's national team poses before a friendly soccer match between OGCN Nice and the national team of Ghana at le Ray stadium in Nice, southeastern France May 9, 2006. Michael Essien of Ghana's national team poses before a friendly soccer match between OGCN Nice and the national team of Ghana at le Ray stadium in Nice, southeastern France May 9, 2006.](https://c8.alamy.com/comp/2E7TJ9E/michael-essien-of-ghanas-national-team-poses-before-a-friendly-soccer-match-between-ogcn-nice-and-the-national-team-of-ghana-at-le-ray-stadium-in-nice-southeastern-france-may-9-2006-world-cup-2006-preview-reuterseric-gaillard-2E7TJ9E.jpg)
Michael Essien of Ghana's national team poses before a friendly soccer match between OGCN Nice and the national team of Ghana at le Ray stadium in Nice, southeastern France May 9, 2006.
![Sammy Kuffour reveals why Michael Essien left Black Stars camp at 2002 Africa Cup of Nations — Ghana Sports Online Sammy Kuffour reveals why Michael Essien left Black Stars camp at 2002 Africa Cup of Nations — Ghana Sports Online](https://ghanasportsonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Essien-84.jpg)
Sammy Kuffour reveals why Michael Essien left Black Stars camp at 2002 Africa Cup of Nations — Ghana Sports Online
![Football - Ghana Training - Walkers Stadium - 28/5/06 Ghana's Michael Essien during training Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Jason Cairnduff Livepic Stock Photo - Alamy Football - Ghana Training - Walkers Stadium - 28/5/06 Ghana's Michael Essien during training Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Jason Cairnduff Livepic Stock Photo - Alamy](https://c8.alamy.com/comp/2EB5X79/football-ghana-training-walkers-stadium-28506-ghanas-michael-essien-during-training-mandatory-credit-action-images-jason-cairnduff-livepic-2EB5X79.jpg)
Football - Ghana Training - Walkers Stadium - 28/5/06 Ghana's Michael Essien during training Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Jason Cairnduff Livepic Stock Photo - Alamy
![Former Manchester United star Gary Neville praises 'underrated' Michael Essien - Ghana Latest Football News, Live Scores, Results - GHANAsoccernet Former Manchester United star Gary Neville praises 'underrated' Michael Essien - Ghana Latest Football News, Live Scores, Results - GHANAsoccernet](https://cdn.ghanasoccernet.com/2021/06/essien.jpeg)
Former Manchester United star Gary Neville praises 'underrated' Michael Essien - Ghana Latest Football News, Live Scores, Results - GHANAsoccernet
![Football - Stock , 12/8/09 Michael Essien - Ghana Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Tony O'Brien Stock Photo - Alamy Football - Stock , 12/8/09 Michael Essien - Ghana Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Tony O'Brien Stock Photo - Alamy](https://c8.alamy.com/comp/2EE27YT/football-stock-12809-michael-essien-ghana-mandatory-credit-action-images-tony-obrien-2EE27YT.jpg)
Football - Stock , 12/8/09 Michael Essien - Ghana Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Tony O'Brien Stock Photo - Alamy
![Michael Essien of Ghana in action during a 2006 FIFA World Cup football match against the United States June 22, 2006 Stock Photo - Alamy Michael Essien of Ghana in action during a 2006 FIFA World Cup football match against the United States June 22, 2006 Stock Photo - Alamy](https://c8.alamy.com/comp/BM4519/michael-essien-of-ghana-in-action-during-a-2006-fifa-world-cup-football-BM4519.jpg)