Essien keen on extended Chelsea deal

The Ghana midfielder, 24, signed a five-year deal when he joined the Blues in August 2005 but wants to remain at Stamford Bridge beyond 2010.

"I am very happy in England and love Chelsea. I'd be happy to stay longer than my current contract," Essien told the Sunday Mirror.

"I am enjoying my football and I'm playing for a great club, and with great players. All I have ever tried to do is work for the team.

"What I will say is that it does take time to adjust to football in England. It's so much faster and more physical than any other country.

"Maybe that was a problem for me at first, but I am used to it now."

Essien was Chelsea's hero last weekend when his 35-yard piledriver earned his side a point at home to London rivals Arsenal.