- Michael Essien’s journey could have taken a very different path at Manchester United before his career-defining twist in France
- A failed trial, a mother’s crucial decision, and a breakthrough in Europe, the untold story behind Essien’s rise still inspires
- Ghanaian footbal expert Micky Charles has hailed Michael Essien for leaving a huge impact on Ghanaian football
Years before Michael Essien completed his move from French powerhouse Lyon to Chelsea, he was on the verge of joining Manchester United.
Rather than sealing a United move, the legendary Ghanaian midfielder saw his trial collapse, paving the way for a career-changing opportunity in France.
Source: Getty Images
When Ole Gunnar Solskjær stabbed home Manchester United’s famous winner in the 1999 Champions League final, a teenage Michael Essien could hardly believe his eyes.
The then-16-year-old Ghanaian was a devoted United fan, swept up in the joy of that unforgettable night against Bayern Munich.
Michael Essien’s Manchester United trials
Back then, the idea of ever wearing the same colours as his heroes seemed a fantasy. Within a year, however, Essien’s path unexpectedly crossed with the very club he admired.
His breakout displays at the Under-17 World Cup in New Zealand earned him a trial invitation from Sir Alex Ferguson. For a boy from Accra, stepping into the United setup felt surreal, as cited by Guardian in a May 2008 feature.
“I supported United as a kid and Roy Keane was my favourite. I saw him at my trial — but no, I didn’t dare tackle him.”
However, work-permit barriers complicated any deal, and although United suggested he join their feeder club Royal Antwerp in Belgium, his mother Aba Essien reportely steered him elsewhere. She believed France was a better option, so her son left Liberty Professionals for Bastia in 2000.
And it happened that Essien’s mother made an excellent choice. The former Ghana international signed for Bastia in July 2000 and impressed on his debut in a Ligue 1 match agains FC Metz.
After three seasons, Essien had made 76 appearances in all competitions and scored 12 goals for Bastia, prompting Jean Michel Aulas’ Lyon to secure the signature of the ex-Black Stars of Ghana maestro for a reported transfer fee of €7.8 million, according to the BBC.
The esteemed box-to-box midfielder repaid the faith by helping Lyon to two Ligue 1 titles, 2003/04 and 2004/05. Essien racked up 13 goals in 96 games for the seven-time French champions before taking his talent to the Premier League.
Monitored by several top sides across Europe, it was Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea who were lucky to hire the highly-rated Michael Essien for a club record transfer fee of £24.4 million.
Source: Getty Images
Ghanaian football expert reflects on Essien’s rise
Meanwhile, in a conversation with YEN.com.gh, seasoned Ghanaian football analyst Micky Charles shared memories of Essien’s early journey in Europe, particularly his transformation at Lyon and his impact at Chelsea.
“From the moment Essien stepped onto the pitch in France, you could see he was destined for greatness. By the time he arrived at Chelsea, he had already become the complete midfielder every top club dreamed of.”
Essien is Ghana’s best midfielder of all-time
Earlier, Yen.com.gh highlighted the major factors that cement Michael Essien’s reputation as Ghana’s finest midfielder of all time.
The ex-Chelsea and AC midfielder ranks higher than other Ghanaian greats such as Sulley Ali Muntari, Stephen Appiah, and Ibrahim Sunday.
Source: YEN.com.gh
Source: Yen.com.gh
