Essien Quitting Black Stars?

Ghana boss Milovan Rajevac has said he will welcome fit-again Essien after the Chelsea midfielder missed the World Cup through injury.

Rajevic said: “Michael is still an important component of this side, he is a special player. Essien brings a special dimension to this team. We are looking forward to having him back with us.”

But Essien has decided to resist call-ups from Ghana and concentrate on helping Chelsea’s push for success this season.

Essien said: “I think I will be taking a break. Not retiring, just not playing for time. I have to take the right decision for myself.

“I don’t know whether they will be disappointed because they have done fine without me.”

It will be a blow for Ghana as Essien is their star player but clearly the midfielder feels after so many recent injury setbacks he wants to concentrate on getting back to his best with Chelsea.