Michael Essien has confirmed that he is close to joining Milan from Chelsea after completing a medical. He also took a swipe at 'haters' who have questioned his form and fitness. On his official Twitter feed Essien remarked "haters will broadcast your failure but whisper your success. Medicals done, looking forward to start my new life with AC Milan."
It is unclear whether the remark was aimed at Chelsea or their manager, José Mourinho, but the Ghanaian has disappointed since returning to the club from a loan spell at Real Madrid. Essien followed Mourinho from the Bernabéu to Stamford Bridge last summer but has made only five league appearances this season, including a disastrous one at home to Southampton, when his errant back-pass allowed Jay Rodriguez to score in the first minute.
Essien joined Chelsea from Lyon in 2005 for a then club record £24.4m fee and has won the Champions League in 2012, two Premier League titles, four FA Cups and one League Cup with them. He was a key figure in Mourinho's first stint at Chelsea but struggled to regain his place after a cruciate ligament injury in 2008.
Despite initial speculation in Italian media that he had failed his medical, the midfielder looks set to be confirmed as a Milan player on Monday and will join them on an initial 18-month deal. He will become Milan's third signing of the January transfer window, following Adil Rami and Keisuke Honda.