LONDON (AP) -Michael Essien has signed a new five-year contract with Chelsea through till 2013.
The Ghana midfielder said the arrival of manager Luiz Felipe Scolari convinced him to prolong his stint at Stamford Bridge.
"I am very happy here," Essien said Tuesday. "We have a great team and fantastic fans who have always made me welcome. With the addition of the new manager, I am feeling very positive about the season ahead."
Essien, who moved from Lyon in 2005, joins goalkeeper Petr Cech in signing a new five-year deal as the Blues start their offseason tour of Asia.
With midfielder Frank Lampard only having a year left on his contract and reportedly looking to move, Scolari is pleased to have secured Essien on a long-term deal.
"I have not been here long, but it is clear to me that Michael Essien is one of the best midfield players in the world," said Scolari, who took charge earlier this month. "I have always admired him and it is good news for me and for Chelsea that he signs for so long."
