Former Ghana captain Stephen Appiah has appealed to AC Milan fans to exercise patience with Michael Essien because it will take a while for him to find his “rhythm”.

The ‘Bison’ left Chelsea to the struggling Italian side this winter but his addition has done little to revive the fortunes of the Rossoneri.

Essien has so far made five Serie A appearances and two Champions League outings totaling 431 minutes since joining Clarence Seedorf’s men.

He is yet to score, but his former national team-mate believes the midfielder will require sometime to adapt.

“I have no doubt that Essien will find his rhythm,” Appiah told Goal Ghana. “He is the type who never gives up and very soon Michael will return to his previous form.”

The ex-Juventus midfielder admitted that Essien has dipped in form due to injuries and the lack of game time at Stamford Bridge, but is hopeful that the former Lyon star is on the right track to rediscover his top form.

“When players get injured it takes time and in Michael’s case he has gone under the knife several times so people need to understand his situation. The fans must exercise patience. Mike will bounce back and I believe it will be soon,” Appiah stated.