Michael Essien close to signing for Melbourne Victory in Australia

It is difficult to look past Michael Essien as one of the most physically complete players the Premier League has ever seen.
The man often referred to as ‘The Bison’ ranked among the best midfielders in world football during his peak years at Chelsea, where he lifted two league titles, four FA Cup trophies and the Champions League.
Essien gradually slipped out of favour at Stamford Bridge due to injury problems and was loaned out to Real Madrid before being sold to AC Milan in 2014.
The Ghanian never regained his best form nor fitness and ended up plying his trade for Panathinaikos in Greek Super League for one season until he was released during the summer.
Now a free agent, Essien has his sights set on continuing his illustrious career in a land where few would have expected him to just a few years ago.
The 33-year-old is on the verge of completing a shock move to Melbourne Victory in the Australian A-League, as per The Guardian.
“Melbourne Victory can confirm it has made enquiries about securing former Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien as a full season guest marquee player for the 2016-17 season,” the club said.
“Essien is one of a number of high-profile foreign players the club has investigated during the pre-season, as it looks to bolster its squad for the upcoming campaign.”
Fox Sports Australia reports Essien has been in contact with fellow Ghana international Lloyd Owusu, who has lived in Australia for four years following a spell at top-flight outfit Adelaide United.
“He’s been speaking to me in recent weeks,” Owusu revealed. “I think he’s seen a few of my pictures on (social media) and he likes the look of it.
“It’s great for the family lifestyle choice. I’ve told him, no disrespect to Australian football, it’s not about a monetary thing because of what he can still get in Europe … but for a guy coming to the latter end of his career (it’s perfect because) he’s been there and done it.
“He’s got wonderful family, three kids; it’s the type of country to come at the end of his career.”
Essien would arguably be the most high-profile player to have graced the Australian A-League since Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero spent two seasons with Sydney FC between 2012 and 2014.
GiveMeSports.com