Chelsea Football Club

• Nickname:Blues
• Founded:1905
• Manager:Rafael Benitez

• Ground:Stamford Bridge
• Capacity:42440

Scolari rules out Essien exit

05 Dec 2008 - 13:37:40

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Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari has dismissed rumours linking Michael Essien with a transfer to Internazionale.

The Italian side's midfielder, Sulley Muntari, had been quoted as saying the Ghana international was heading to the San Siro, but Scolari insists that is not about to happen.

Essien is currently sidelined with the cruciate knee ligament injury he suffered in September, and the Chelsea boss said: "Inter, AC Milan, Barcelona and Real Madrid all want Essien but he is injured and he is at Chelsea.

"If I stay for three years I don't want him out, I want him to stay with me.

"This is because he is very good player who can play in five positions very well. He is young and dedicated. He is our player and I think he is happy here.

"Michael Essien is good news for me everyday. He is recovering quicker than we thought.

"He comes here at 10.30 in the morning and doesn't go until four in the afternoon. He tries to come back early. It is good for us. He is a fantastic example for other players.

"I don't want to put pressure on him but I think we will have good news sooner than we expected."