Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce that Michael Essien has signed a two-year extension to his existing contract that will keep him at the club until 2015.

The Ghanaian said: 'I am delighted because the club has shown a very big confidence and interest in me.

'I am looking forward to coming back and enjoying my football and winning more trophies with the club. That is why I am here. I think it is one of the most important contracts in my career.'

Manager Carlo Ancelotti added: 'I am very happy that Michael has agreed to extend his time with us, as it means he will continue to be a very important player for Chelsea long into the future.'

Essien has appeared 185 times in Chelsea colours, scoring 22 goals since arriving from Lyon in 2005, but has not played for us since tearing a hamstring in December, and then damaging a knee on international duty in January, and will miss the World Cup this summer.