Sunday, July 03, 2005

Essien to MANUTD!!! (?) =D

'Cantona is my idol'

When you are hailed with as most wanted soccer star in Europe, a trip on board Roman Abramovich's luxury yacht generally precedes a life changing transfer to Chelsea.
Essien's idols: Beckham and Cantona. (Photography/Empics)
Yet when you listen to the words of Lyon midfield maestro Michael Essien, it quickly becomes clear that his long-standing dream does not involve a switch to Stamford Bridge. Indeed, when you hear him speak with such passion about playing for Manchester United, it is clear where his heart lies.
Having apparently failed to land Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, the Premiership champions have turned their attentions to Essien, with a bid of around £17m having already been rejected by the French champions.
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas continues to insist his prized asset will stay, but when the richest club in the world come calling, they are tough to turn down and while Essien may well prefer a switch to Old Trafford, he may have to settle for second best.
'When I was 17, I went to Manchester United for a trial and it was a fantastic experience,' begins 22-year-old Essien. 'It was unbelievable to come into contact with all those star players at Old Trafford. I was in awe of them all. I was like a child looking up at them. I remember getting David Beckham's autograph. It was a special moment and I treasure it to this day.
'But above all, in my eyes, Manchester United meant Eric Cantona. He was my favourite player and I had posters of him all over my bedroom back home. I just loved everything about him; his charisma, the way he turned the collar of his shirt up, his aggression.
'He didn't fear anyone or anything. That left an impression on me. When I was in Manchester, I spent all my money on buying pictures and videos of Cantona from the superstore.
'From that moment, it was my dream to play for United, but unfortunately, a transfer was not possible at that time. I played for their youth team against Coventry, but I couldn't get a work permit and had to go back to Ghana.'
They are not the words of a man who has woken up at night in an excited sweat as he ponders forming a powerful midfield partnership with Chelsea's Frank Lampard.
Still, as Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger constantly suggests, Chelsea don't care if they sign players who lack passion for the club. Their aim is to buy proven performers at any price and try to convert them to the Stamford Bridge project.
The shock appointment of Gerard Houllier as the new Lyon coach sent waves through French soccer and led many to believe Essien would look to jump ship, but vibes from those around the man at the centre of the storm suggest his departure is not inevitable.
A confident character, the heated race to land his signature does not seem to have affected Essien's laid back approach to life in a summer when his thoughts have been dominated by his ambitions to lead Ghana into next summer's World Cup finals.
“
There has been a lot of speculation about me moving to this or that club, but I can honestly say I still don't know where I will be playing my football next season ”
— Michael Essien
'There has been a lot of speculation about me moving to this or that club, but I can honestly say I still don't know where I will be playing my football next season,' concedes the French league's Player of the Year for 2004/05.
'During the last few weeks I've been concentrating all my thoughts and efforts on helping Lyon win the French league title and Ghana's qualifying campaign for the World Cup. Anyway, I'm happy at Lyon. We've just had a very satisfying season at home and in Europe and I'm sure this club can go on to enjoy much more success. We are going in the right direction.
'However, I'm attracted to the Premiership and would be tempted if a good offer came my way from England. I like the dynamic style of play there and the great passion their football generates. We'll have to see what happens. I have three years left to run on my contract with Lyon, but things change quickly.'
The reasons why the top coaches in the game have targeted young Essien are obvious. Versatile, skilful, dynamic in the tackle and with goals in his boots, he is the ultimate modern day midfielder and his performances in the Champions League last season provided compelling evidence that he can perform at the highest level.
'My best asset is my ability to win the ball,' he believes. 'I can play in central midfield, on the right flank or in central defence, but it's fair to say I'm happier being in the thick of the action in midfield. I'm someone who needs to go to his physical limits and when I play at the back, I don't feel particularly extended.
Meeting a new team-mate? Essien tackles Cristiano Ronaldo last winter. (NigelFrench/Empics)
'I was rightly criticised in the past for committing too many fouls and receiving too many yellow cards, but that is no longer a problem. My old coach at Lyon Paul Le Guen helped me a lot. He has encouraged me to think a lot more on the pitch, to be less impulsive and calmer on the pitch.
'At Lyon I've become much better on the ball and don't give it away as nearly as much as I once did. My passing is more accurate these days, especially over long distances. I like to see myself as a team player. As a defensive midfielder my role models are Patrick Vieira and Claude Makelele. I hope to achieve as much in football as them.'
With his 23rd birthday still some five months away, Michael Essien has the sporting world at his feet. The only question is what colour shirt he will be wearing as he reaches the peak of his powers.

takugo spoke at 1:12 AM

***