The sculptor behind the statue of Ghana and Chelsea legend Michael Essien says he re-created the footballer to pay tribute to him for his philanthropic works.

Pictures of the statue surfaced last week, attracting loads of comments from social media users most of whom were not impressed by the piece of artwork done by the Kumasi-based sculptor.

However, in an exclusive interview with GhanaWeb TV, the artisan who goes by the name Dominic Ebo Bismarck, averred that he was overwhelmed by the reaction his work has generated adding that he is not perturbed by the criticism he has received so far.

He disclosed that the erection of the statue was to honour the football icon for his humanitarian works and also to motivate other public figures to emulate the work of Michael Essien.

“I was actually amazed because the statue has been there for a very long time. Someone alerted me that my work is trending on social media and it’s everywhere and I was very amazed. I knew definitely that criticisms would come and it will come from different angles. After finishing the project I intentionally decided not to write Essien’s name on the jersey because I wanted people to identify it as stands there but most people see it and they that it is Michael Essien. Even the international media has recognized it so if it’s not Michael Essien then who is it?, he quizzed.

On whether he has been affected by the widespread criticism he has received, the sculptor stated that “I’m not worried at all because these are all things that people will say about the work because it’s a public thing. We have different kinds of people with different kinds of views and mindset so I should be able to accept this is an artist”

Responding to a question on if he was paid to erect the statue, Dominic revealed that he was not paid for the statue and that he is not expecting any form of reward from Essien because he raised the statue to show his appreciation to him for his generosity and benevolence.

Essien wrote his name into the Stamford Bridge history books during his nine-year spell in west London, helping the Blues win nine trophies including the 2012 Champion League.

His exploits with Ghana, for whom he’s made 58 senior appearances and captained on occasion, have added to his global fame.