Agent: Essien staying at Chelsea

Michael Essien’s agent has scoffed at rumours the 28-year-old midfielder wants to leave Chelsea.

Reports had suggested Essien may move on as new Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas looks to build a team of his own, with some of Europe’s top clubs – including AC Milan and Bayern Munich – thought to be interested in capturing the Ghana international’s signature.

But Essien’s representative Fabien Piveteau told MTNFootball.com there was no truth to the reports.

“There’s absolutely no chance of Essien leaving Chelsea,” Piveteau said.

“It’s not true that the club’s new coach Villas-Boas wants to release Michael. In fact, the new coach knows Essien very well having worked at the club before and he knows what Michael can do for the club.”

“Michael is also focused on staying at the club because he has a very good relationship with the team’s supporters, the new manager and the club owner. He is not leaving.”

Essien joined Chelsea from French side Lyon in 2005 for 24 million pounds, when Villas-Boas was part of Jose Mourinho’s coaching staff.