Michael Essien has reflected on settling in at Milan and on his country Ghana’s hopes at this year’s World Cup.
The midfielder is with his national team ahead of preparations for the summer tournament in Brazil, following a first six months in Italy with the Rossoneri.
Michael Essien has reflected on settling in at Milan and on his country Ghana’s hopes at this year’s World Cup.
The midfielder is with his national team ahead of preparations for the summer tournament in Brazil, following a first six months in Italy with the Rossoneri.
“Milan is good, and I am settling in nicely, which is important,” Essien has told FIFA’s official website this week.
“Everyone is friendly at the club and [they] are looking after me well, so I cannot complain.
“We are all working as a team to bring the club to where it belongs, and with time, I have no doubt the glory days will be back.
“I am lucky as well as proud to have and to still be playing for the best clubs in the world. All in all, I have not done badly and long may it continue.”
The former Chelsea midfielder, who has previously taken a break from the international scene due to injury issues, was asked of his future in representing Ghana.
“If I suffer no further big injuries, continue to play well and continue to be selected for the Black Stars, then who knows …
“I may be at another World Cup. After [Brazil] it will be business as usual – back to playing club football and if selected for the national team, I will carry on.
“There are African Cup qualifiers and the 2015 tournament in January, so that will be the next objective.”
The 31-year-old considered the Black Stars’ hopes heading out to South America, where they will face Germany, Portugal and United States in Group G.
“The squad for this tournament is the best Ghana has to offer, and the quality in depth is extremely good, especially in midfield.
“We have multiple options in most positions which is always a plus for any side.
“Our initial aim will be to get out of the group into the second round, and then take it from there game by game.
“Who knows? We are certainly capable of going one better and making it to the semi-finals or even finals.
“Anything can happen, but we are realistic enough to know we cannot aim that high from the start.
“Get the first objective of making the second round out of the way, and we will see how far we can go. It will be a journey without doubt, one we are looking forward to.”