Essien on collision course with Mourinho

Michael Essien has put himself on collision course with Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho - by signing a deal to sell Guinness.

The Blackstars midfielder, who cost £24.4m from Lyon in 2005, has agreed a contract to promote the Irish stout in Ghana.

Essien,who captained the Blackstars win against The Atlas Lions of Morocco over the weekend in France, has been named Guinness's ambassador, and will star in a poster campaign.

But according to UK media reports monitored by allghanasoccer.com, a row could now be brewing with Mourinho, who strongly believes his players should follow healthy diets and lifestyles - and will be dismayed that his prize signing is endorsing alcohol.

According to marketing executives allghanasoccer .com spoke to thinks its not the first time a football icon has endorsed an achoholic beverage.

Essien said: "I am very excited to be Guinness's first football ambassador, and truly feel proud to be part of the greatness that is African football.

"I hope I can act as a source of inspiration for many football fans across Africa, in the same way that Tony Yeboah and George Weah inspired me to reach greatness within my football career."

Guinness recently reported a 17% rise in sales in Africa, in contrast to slumps in the UK and Ireland.

The company's Ghana marketing head Agnes Emefah Essah said: "Guinness Ghana Breweries have a longstanding association with Ghana's Black Stars, and we believe that there is greatness in our players."