Essien: All I want to do is play football

MICHAEL ESSIEN has told Chelsea: All I want to do is play.

The powerhouse midfielder was surprisingly shipped out on loan to Real Madrid in August after struggling to recapture his best form last season following a serious serious knee injury.

And Essien has proved to be an important part of Jose Mourinho’s star-studded squad by filling in wherever required — just as he often did during the Special One’s time in charge at Stamford Bridge.

He said: “It’s been good, I can’t complain. I’m happy and have enjoyed the football.

“I’ve played a lot at right-back and I’ve enjoyed playing.”

HAVING A BALL ... working with Jose Mourinho has revitalised Michael Essien

Picture: RICHARD PELHAM

Essien, 30, will return to the Bridge this summer knowing he faces an uncertain future with the Blues looking for a successor to unpopular interim manager Rafa Benitez.

But should Mourinho follow him back from Spain, the Ghanaian is likely to return to the first-team mix next term.

And that would suit Essien down to the ground. He added: “It doesn’t matter what position, it is just nice to be on the pitch.”