Goals against Arsenal, Barcelona best of my career - Michael Essien

Michael Essien has opened up on how he felt after Chelsea were knocked out of the Champions League by Barcelona in controversial circumstances nine years ago.

The former Ghana international netted a stunning strike but his goal was cancelled out by Andres Iniesta as Chelsea exited the competition on goal difference.

And when was asked about his most memorable games and said: “I would have to say my first game, a 1-0 win at home against Arsenal in 2005.

“We won and Didier scored a bit of a lucky goal. I came on as a sub in the second half so it always sticks in my mind.

“The one against Barcelona in 2009, when I scored, also stands out but unfortunately we couldn’t progress to the final that night.

“Lastly I would say the game against Arsenal when I scored with a long shot in 2006. Those two goals were probably the best I’ve scored but if I had to choose between them I think it would be the Arsenal one because it’s always great to score against your rivals and it means a lot to the fans, it sticks in their minds.”