Essien set for Chelsea stay

Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien expects to remain at the club next season despite speculation linking him with a move to Inter Milan.

Essien, 28, has been tipped to leave the English Premier League, with Serie A champions AC Milan and runners-up Inter Milan touted as potential destinations.

But the Ghana international, who helped Chelsea to second place in the league behind Manchester United last season, is confident he will still be at Stamford Bridge when the 2011/12 campaign gets underway.

“I am looking forward to next season, I want to win back the title and bring the Champions League to Chelsea,” Essien said.

“So I am not aware of not playing for Chelsea next season.”

Essien joined Chelsea from Ligue 1 side Lyon for 24.4 million pounds in August 2005.

He has won two Premier League titles and three FA Cups during his time in west London.