THIS is the concluding part of the exclusive interview 90 MINUTES granted to Ghanaian international and Chelsea ace, Michael Essien in Monday's edition of this paper. Lifting the lid on the special relationship he has with fellow Stars' team-mate Sulley Muntari, the former Lyon midfielder says the Inter Milan star is more like a brother to him as they have been friends since childhood. Ahead of Chelsea and Inter Milan's crunch UEFA Champions League game at the San Siro tonight, Essien goes on to talk about the fact that Jose Mourinho has been quite influential in his career and says the Portuguese tactician is easily the best coach he has worked with. Essien also talks about how he handles the worldwide fame and his celebrity status among other things. Read on.
Q: So what is a difficult time for Michael Essien? A: It easily has to be sitting in the stands and watching my team mates both Ghana & Chelsea play. I want to be on the pitch every day and when I get injured I hate sitting in the sidelines but that's football for you.
Q: So which areas of your game do you think you can still improve? How do you think you've improved since you've been at Chelsea? A: You don't stop learning in all walks of life so as I footballer I can improve all aspects of my game. My all round game has improved but that is natural because as you get older you learn more and experience comes with age.
Q: You have become a star and a celebrity worldwide at a relatively young age. How do you cope with that? Do you think signing autographs and having your photo taken with youngsters after training is part of your job too? A: I just try to be relaxed about everything. I don't really see myself as a worldwide celebrity to be honest. I am still Michael Essien the boy from Awutu. Signing autographs and pictures are part of what we do and I don't have a problem with that. I will do it any day.
Q: Let's talk about the coaches you have worked under during your career. Which one has made the biggest impact on you? A: All the coaches I have worked with have contributed to my development but I have to say Jose Mourinho tops them all what a top guy and a brilliant coach.
Q: Talking of Chelsea, what do you remember about arriving at a club with so many star players? How do you get along with all those superstars in the dressing room? A: Yes I remember and there were so many superstars around but I was used to that at Lyon. There were stars in the Lyon team so it wasn't a big deal to be honest, but I have always got on with my team-mates regardless of the team I have been in.
Q: The Premiership title race seems to be more intense now. Are you still hopeful of beating competition from Manchester United and Arsenal to win the title? A: Yes! we will definitely be fighting to the end and I am confident we will win it. It will not be easy without doubt but we will keep fighting to the end.
Q: Champions League: Chelsea vrs Inter. What are your expectations of the match and the prospect of Chelsea meeting your former mentor Jose Mourinho? A: It will be an exciting but tough game. In my view we are both top teams and we both want to win the Champions League so you can expect a tough, but interesting game. We are all looking forward to the game.
Q: Do you have a special relationship with Sulley Muntari? A: I am not sure what you mean by special relationship I have known Sulley since we were kids and he is one of my best friends.
Q: Are there any dreams you have yet to fulfil in football and what are your personal dreams? A: I would love to win more trophies each year and to keep playing football for a long time to come. But my personal dream is to enrich people's lives through the Michael Essien Foundation.
Q: So tell us, who is your hero inside or outside of sport? A: I will have to say my mum for being there for us and for working hard to make us who we are today. Without her hard work and determination my family couldn't have come this far. She is my hero.
Q: Lastly, what is the next step for the Michael Essien Foundation (MEF) after the successful launching of the event in Ghana? A: We are going to start implementing our aims and enriching the lives of the needy in our society. The foundation activities are going to kick in from the summer and I am looking forward to that.
Q: Thanks for your time Michael. We wish you all the best. A: It's great talking to you guys and keep on with the good work you are doing. Hope to see 90 MINUTES at the World Cup in South-Africa.
CREDIT: 90 Minutes Newspaper
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