Essien Signs Five Year Deal

Michael Essien handed Chelsea another major boost by signing up for another five years in a deal worth around £80,000-a week, according to the Daily Mail.
Essien, who joined from Lyon for £24.4m three years ago, committed his future to Chelsea until 2013 despite interest from Real Madrid and Inter Milan this summer.
The 25-year-old only signed a five-year contract last year, but such is Chelsea's determination to keep him that they made him an improved offer.
Essien, established as one of the best midfielders in the world during his time at Stamford Bridge, is now looking to help the club bounce back from the disappointments of last season, failing to win a trophy for the first time in four years.
The deal for Essien is a strong message of intent from the Blues and makes him the third player to have agreed new terms in a week after Wayne Bridge and Petr Cech.
The Ghana international, who is set to play in Chelsea's first game of their pre-season tour in Asia against Chinese side Guangzhou Pharmaceutical tomorrow, is now looking forward to competing for his place in Chelsea's midfield.
With Frank Lampard, Deco, Michael Ballack, John Obi Mikel as well as Essien in contention, Manager Luiz Felip Scolari has quite a choice.
Essien is happy that Deco, who joined from Barcelona this summer for £7.9m, has arrived and believes it will improve his game.
He said: "When the competition gets keener it brings out the best in players. Last season we signed new players and people thought I could lose my place. But I fought and stayed to maintain it."

Maka Moves On To PSG

Claude Makelele has moved on a free transfer to Paris Saint Germain.

After five years at the Bridge the player who made the midfield holding position his own, many pundits calling it 'the Makelele role', has moved back to France to see out his illustrious career.

His contribution to the Blues success should not be underestimated and it is uncertain to what effect Mikel or Essien can step into his vacant role. Remember that Real Madrid had a couple of seasons of underachievement when he left for the Bridge.

Thanks for your contribution Maka and the best of luck for the future.