Chelsea’s Michael Essien ready to fight for Ghana place after decision to return to international fold

Michael Essien – Ghana (Getty Images)

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Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien has admitted he is aware he will have to fight for a place in the Ghana side having announced his return to international football after an 18-month exile.

The Blues midfield prodigy last played for his country in the African Cup of Nations back in 2010 and is all-too aware that no player is indispensable in the team.

“I must work hard to be able to get into the starting team because the young players did very well in my absence,” Essien said, as quoted by the Guardian.

“You can see from their performance at the African Cup of Nations and the World Cup what they did.

“It will be difficult to get back into the starting team because of that, but I am ready to fight for a place and it will be up to the coach to decide.
 
“I want to help my country qualify for the next African Nations Cup.

“They have done more than well during my absence and it shows how good the squad is. The Black Stars are not a one-man team.“