Thursday 25 September 2014 21:47, UK
AC Milan midfielder Michael Essien has backed former club Chelsea to win silverware this season and continue being a force in Europe.
Essien, who spent eight-and-a-half years at Stamford Bridge before departing for Milan in January, helped Chelsea to two Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy during his time at the club.
The 31-year-old was originally signed by current Blues boss Jose Mourinho during his first stint in charge of the club in a £24.4million deal from Lyon.
"I think they’ll do well as always," Essien told FIFA’s official website.
"Jose has rebuilt the team in his own image now and they’ll fight for everything this season. They have the ability to win things and that’s what they’ll be doing.
"Chelsea have become a football force in Europe in the last ten years and I can see that carrying on for the next ten years or more."
Former Blues team-mate Fernando moved the San Siro on a two-year loan this summer, and Essien thinks the striker can get back to his best in Italy.
"I really hope he does well for Milan and for himself because he is a top striker and we’ll benefit from his goals," he said.
"He’s a hard worker both in games in and in training and that can also serve him well at Milan.
"One thing Milan can expect to see is 100 per cent all the time from him. I am convinced we’ll see lots of goals from Fernando."
Essien is now hoping to replicate Chelsea’s success with Milan as more former team-mates – Alex and Marco van Ginkel – also arrived this summer.
"Of course it’s nice to have them here, and also [Marco] van Ginkel, who joined on the last day of the transfer window," he said.
"They are some of the nicest people you will meet in football and we always talk about our days at Chelsea.
"Hopefully we can bring some of the Chelsea glory days to Milan."
