Michael Essien debunks fighting with Panathinaikos head coach

Troubled former Black Stars midfielder Michael Essien has debunked reports that he fought with Panathinaikos trainer Stramaccioni during their big game clash with Olympiacos, saying the reports are false and frivolous.

According to the former Chelsea midfielder, most of the reports about his relationship with Panathinaikos in the media are false.

“I have never fought with any coach in my career and will never do that,” Essien said.

The former Chelsea and AC Milan midfielder was reported to have fought with the head coach of the side for relegating him to the bench during their historic clash with Olympiacos.

When asked why he fought with the coach, Essien said “That is a total lie. It’s not true at all. I have never fought with any coach in my career, and I did not fight with Coach Stramaccioni.”

Essien expressed shock at the news and the kind of stories the media carry about him.

“I don’t know who wrote that story. I even laughed when I saw it. It’s a shame because I am not that type of person who fights with coaches. Even when my daddy Jose Mourinho left me out of the Chelsea Champions League squad in my last season, I was unhappy but we spoke like men and didn’t fight.,” he added.

The former Chelsea star affirmed that he has a strong relationship with Stramaccioni.

“My relationship with coach Stramaccioni is very good and we discuss different things every day.

I have a lot of respect for him because it’s not easy for him too but he always shows me good respect and I feel the same way for him,” he concluded.