Michael Essien arrived to complete his transfer from Chelsea. “I decided to join Milan because of Clarence Seedorf.”

The Ghanaian midfielder touched down at Malpensa Airport at 19.00 GMT and was interviewed by Milan Channel.

There are reports it was his fellow countryman Sulley Muntari who laid the groundwork for the move by talking to Essien in November.

The deciding factor appears to have been the introduction of new Coach Seedorf to replace Massimiliano Allegri.

“I will do my best for Milan. Seedorf? I spoke with him two days ago,” he told journalists while wearing a red and black scarf.

“Have I heard from Muntari? Yes, I have heard from him. I’m happy to be at Milan. It’s a great club.

“I want to thank Abramovich, the squad and Mourinho, who gave me the chance to join Milan. I decided to join Milan because of Seedorf. He is a great man and I hope that he will also become a great manager.

“I can’t wait to play for Milan. Kaka and Balotelli are great players.”

Essien has been released by Chelsea on a free transfer and is expected to sign a Milan contract until June 2015 after completing his medical.

He will have dinner with CEO Adriano Galliani at the Giannino restaurant this evening.