Source: Team_Talk
Essien keen to repay Chelsea
Michael Essien says it is payback time after Chelsea showed faith in him during his injury hell. 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.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.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.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.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.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. "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."But I have never thought about leaving football. I am a warrior and I do not yield to anything."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. "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."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."