Essien tells Chelsea he wants to stay

Michael Essien has handed manager-less Chelsea a boost by declaring his intention to stay at Stamford Bridge next season.

Chelsea are currently without a leader after Carlo Ancelotti's departure from the club, although Guus Hiddink is strongly expected to return by the start of the new campaign.

With uncertainty surrounding the Blues' immediate future though, Essien's name has been linked with a move away from England, with Serie A the mooted destination.

Reports in Italy and Essien's native Ghana have suggested Essien could be heading for talks with Italian giants Inter Milan, who have identified the central midfield area as the major position in need of improvement after finishing six points behind AC Milan last season.

"I am looking forward to next season, I want to win back the title and bring the Champions League to Chelsea," Essien is quoted as saying by Skysports.com.

"So I am not aware of not playing for Chelsea next season."