AC Milan midfielder Sulley Muntari has welcomed fellow Ghanaian Michael Essien to the Italian giants insisting the former Chelsea star will help improve the fortunes of the struggling giants.

Muntari expressed his delight over AC Milan’s capture of his close friend after negotiations between Chelsea and the Italian club went smooth.

Essien will complete his transfer from Chelsea today if he is successful in his medicals after the English side agreed to release the Ghanaian on a free transfer.

The ex-Chelsea star flew in to Italy on Friday evening and went to dinner with Muntari and CEO Adriano Galliani before Muntari hailed the capture of the midfielder from the Blues.

“Essien has a lot of experience and played so much in Europe for many important clubs,” Muntari told reporters.

He can bring a great deal to Milan.

“I am happy that he is here. I hope he can bring a great deal to Milan. First we must do well with Milan, then we can think about Ghana.

“I think he can handle the San Siro atmosphere. He didn’t find space at Chelsea, but life is like that and you have to go elsewhere.”

It is reported Essien will have wages worth €1.5m for the next six months and €3m for next season on a contract that expires in June 2015.

Muntari also commented on life under new Coach Clarence Seedorf.

“Even when he was a player he’d still give everyone advice, so imagine now that he is my Coach. We are relaxed and the Coach gives us the confidence necessary to stay calm. We are working with our heads and have faith in what we are doing.”