Ghana midfielder Michael Essien has been excluded from Panathinaikos' squad for the upcoming season.

The 33-year-old together with Nigerian Abdul Jeleel Ajagun, German’s Jens Wemmer and Stathis Tavlaridis from Greece have all been released by the Greek giants.

Close source to the player has also confirmed the departure of the Ghanaian midfielder from the Super League side.

Essien signed a two-year deal with Panathinaikos last season but his spell with the Club has been fruitless due to his constant injury woes which has propelled the Club to release him.

The Club is yet to release a statement on the latest decision about the Ghanaian international who made just 11 appearances for the Club.

The former Chelsea star and UEFA Champions League winner is reported to have received offers from several Chinese Clubs.