AC Milan midfielder Michael Essien has admitted that the Vicente Calderon will be intimidating for his side when they face Atletico Madrid in their Champions League round 16 return leg clash on Tuesday night.

The former Real Madrid player acknowledges that Atletico Madrid fans will play a huge role as Milan seek to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg. Essien has claimed that the supporters inside the Vicente Calderon will be a factor.

“We know the kind of atmosphere that the Atletico fans can produce here,” he told a press conference.

“We know we’ll be able to feel that, but we’re here to play football.” Essien then commented on this being a special occasion for himself, having played for Real Madrid, and his arrival at San Siro.

“Yes, this is something of a small derby for me! “I had the offer of coming to Milan, and then Seedorf arrived. [Chelsea boss Jose] Mourinho told me it was a good option.”