Indonesian club Persib Bandung cashing-in on Michael Essien jerseys

Reports in Indonesia say there is high demand for the replica jerseys of Persib Bandung record signing Michael Essien.

The sale could help the club to recoup the 800,000 euros paid to sign the former Chelsea and Real Madrid player.

The Jakarta Globe reports that the recent signing of Essien, 34, has sparked a high demand in Persib jerseys.

Persib merchandising executive Muhammad Irvan said the sales increased 10 percent after it was announced Essien would join the club.

"Shortly after Essien came in, supporters stood in long lines at our stores," Irvan said on the club's official website.

Football fans who hold Persib's member card have to pay around $18 to get an Essien jersey, while the regular price is $22.

Reports indicate that the Ghanaian is paid by Persib about $200,000 less than in his previous club Panathinaikos of Greece.

"Some of you have known Essien's contract, he's now the highest-paid footballer in Indonesia," Persib team manager Umuh Muchtar said on Wednesday, March 15, as quoted by state-news agency Antara.

Previously, the highest-paid footballer in Indonesia was Sergio van Dijk, a former Australian top league player who earned $337,000, also at Persib.

Persib which is known for its blue jerseys, has been affiliated with some Indonesian tycoons, including Inter Milan president Erick Thohir and Salim Group, a company owned by the country's second richest man, Anthoni Salim.