Michael Essien (Accra, Ghana, 12-03-1982) will play on loan to Real Madrid for the 2012/13 season. A midfielder with great physical performance, he's coming from Chelsea to reinforce the team led by Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese coach knows the African football player well, having had him under his charge on the English team. Twice champion of the French League and another two times in the Premier League, Essien joins the white squad after disputing 243 games at Chelsea.