Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien to return to international duty with Ghana in June – report

Michael Essien, Ghana (Getty Images)

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Michael Essien will end his 18-month exile from Ghana by playing in the Black Stars’ African Cup of Nations 2012 qualifier against Congo on June 5, according to KickOffGhana.

The 28-year-old is reported to have confided in close friends that he will make himself available after a year-and-a-half out.

Ahead of that international game, the Chelsea man – who is currently on being tracked by AC Milan – will host top football stars both current and former for a peace match in Accra on May 25.

His official website confirms that many current players such as Samuel Eto’o, Didier Drogba, Nwankwo Kanu, Kolo and Yaya Toure, Salomon Kalou and Stephen Appiah will all be playing.

The list also includes Blues team-mates Ashley Cole, John Terry and Shaun Wright-Phillips. The game is part of Essien’s commitment to promoting and raising the awareness of peace in Africa using football. The funds raised from the game will be used to enhance peace initiatives across Africa.