Essien keen to repay Chelsea

16 October 2010 12:07
Michael Essien says it is payback time after Chelsea showed faith in him during his injury hell.[LNB] The Ghana international has returned to action in style this term, netting three times as the Blues sit top of both the Premier League and their Champions League group.[LNB]It is a welcome change of fortune for the 27-year-old, who missed six months as a result of rupturing an anterior cruciate ligament on international duty in 2008.[LNB]He then returned to suffer an injury plagued season last term, first tearing a hamstring in early December before injuring a knee while on Africa Cup of Nations duty in January.[LNB]While he did not appear again until this summer's Community Shield, the Chelsea hierarchy showed faith in him and gave him a two-year contract extension in June.[LNB]He is now determined to repay the faith shown in him by helping the Blues to glory this term, with a first-ever Champions League success firmly in the sights of the midfield powerhouse.[LNB]He told The Sun: "Those kind of injuries can easily end your career. I'm lucky to be back playing and I thank God for making it possible. [LNB]"My future as a player was at risk and the recuperation was very hard because there were so many times I did not have a clear view as to when it would end.[LNB]"But I have never thought about leaving football. I am a warrior and I do not yield to anything."[LNB]As regards his contract extension, he added: "I think I am a lucky guy. I've never seen that before - a player who has been out for six months and they decide to give him a new contract. [LNB]"That means they have great confidence in me when I'm fit, that I can go out and help their team. I am delighted. I think I have to pay the club back with my performance.[LNB]"I am very excited but the beginning (of the season) season is excellent for me and the team, apart from the 1-0 defeat at Manchester City."

Source: Team_Talk