Former Ghanaian international defensive midfielder, Michael Essien (33), playing for Panathinaikos since last summer and currently on a deal with Greek giants until June 2017, has just declined a rich offer coming from Shanghai SIPG (which offered 3 million euros to the club as well).

The above information was disclosed by Gazzetta.gr.

Former Chelsea, Real Madrid, Olympique Lyon and AC Milan player is, however, likely to leave next summer.