Indonesia's Sports Minister hails the signing of Michael Essien

Indonesia's Minister of Youth and Sports Affairs, Imam Nahrawi has hailed the signing of Ghanaian midfielder, Michael Essien by Liga 1 team Persib Bandung.

According to Nahrawi, Essien's capture will increase the level of competition in the Indonesian topflight league and make it attractive to fans and sponsors.

The former Chelsea cult hero was recruited by Persib on Tuseday morning in a deal worth a reported 800,000 euros. Essien, 34, signed a one-year deal with an option to extend the contract further based on his performances.

"Once we bring in coaches or players that are interesting to the public and at the same time inspire us, coaches and players will excel like them," Nahrawi said in an interview on Goal.com.

The National Awakening Party (PKB) politician is hoping that Essien's signing by Persib will inspire other clubs to recruit world class players.

He said, this is because the presence of foreign stars could increase the revenue of all clubs.

"This is a breakthrough by Persib in sportainment, I think this needs to be replicated by other clubs,"

"More of the top players coming to Indonesia is even better. It will be exciting and provide competitive edge in the Liga 1," he added.