AC Milan legend Zvonimir Boban has slammed the signing of Michael Essien as a mistake.

The Italian giants signed the Ghanaian international from Chelsea on an 18-month deal last month.

The 31-year-old marked debut for Milan in their 3-1 defeat to Napoli and Boban, who spent a decade on the books of the Rossoneri, says the signing of the former Lyon man alongside Moroccan Adel Taarabt is a big mistake.

“The signings of Essien and Taarabt? I don’t know Taarabt. Milan shouldn’t have signed Essien,” he said

“It was mistake. They don’t need him. He hasn’t played much recently and there is a reason for that.

“He is nowhere near the first Essien we saw at Chelsea.”

Essien left the English side after spending nine years at the club where he won many titles including the UEFA Champions League in 2012.