Seedorf convinces Essien to switch to San Siro

Michael Essien is chomping at the bit to start the next stage of his career after completing his move to AC Milan from Chelsea.
Michael EssienMichael Essien
Michael Essien

The 31-year-old Ghana international underwent a medical at Milan before signing on a contract that ties him to the Italian club until June 30, 2015.

Essien will link up with his new team-mates today and is itching to begin life with the seven-times European champions.

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“I cannot wait to join the team in training and be a part of Milan’s family,” he said.

Essien joins a Milan side who have fallen on hard times of late with their only major trophy success in the last six years being the 2010-11 Serie A title.

This season they are struggling down in ninth place in the Serie A standings, 28 points behind league leaders Juventus, while they were also knocked out of Coppa Italia quarter-finals at home by Udinese last week.

Nevertheless, Essien is excited to be joining such a “great club” and has pledged to give new Rossoneri coach Clarence Seedorf his all.

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“I am very happy to have spoken to Seedorf, he is a nice person,” he added. “It’s a pleasure to have heard what Seedorf had to say about me.

“I always give my best and battle for the team from the first minute until the last. I hope to achieve something important and give my best for Milan.”

David Ngog is relishing his return to the Premier League after joining Swansea from Bolton for an undisclosed fee.

The 24-year-old, who has signed until the end of the season, got his first experience of English football after joining Liverpool from Paris St Germain in 2008, going on to score 19 goals in 94 appearances for the Merseyside club.

He moved to Bolton in 2011 and scored 16 goals

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“I was really pleased to get the chance, I thought about it and decided to sign here,” he said.

Fulham manager Rene Meulensteen believes the transfer window will hot up in the coming days but expects Dimitar Berbatov to remain at Craven Cottage.

Meulensteen was cagey when asked about his plans following Sunday’s 1-1 FA Cup fourth-round draw at Sheffield United, but hinted that business may be easier to do at the 11th hour.

“People always say the transfer market is a month but it’s not a month, it’s a week and then 24 hours – that’s what it comes down to. I expect Berbatov to stay because there has been no interest so far.”

Cardiff manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer last night confirmed the signings of Fabio and Kenwyne Jones are “more or less done”.