Chelsea’s Michael Essien: I will be ready for Ghana in June

Mickael Essien (Ghana)

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Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien has confirmed he will return to play for Ghana in June.

The 28-year-old has not played for his national team for close to a year after suffering two severe injuries whilst playing for them.

He has remained quiet over his return and that has established a love-hate relationship with local fans. However, he has told the BBC that he will now return to the international set-up.

“I am fully ready to return to the Black Stars for our next Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Congo in June,” Essien said.

“After the two serious injuries I suffered while playing for my country, I asked permission from the Ghana FA to excuse me from Black Stars duties to allow me to fully recover. They understood my situation and granted my request because of the injuries I had.”

The midfielder said quitting the international stage has never crossed his mind and it has been his aim to help the current top ranked African side to qualify for the 2012 Nations Cup in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.

“I really want to help my country to qualify for the next year’s Africa Cup of Nations so I am ready to join my colleagues to help the country to qualify,” he added.

“I still have a lot to offer my country and it never crossed my mind to retire from the national team.

“I have never ever said anything like that before. I love my country and I have a lot to give back.”