Michael Essien has officially signed for Panathinaikos after his contract with Milan expired.

The Ghana international put pen to paper on a two-year deal with the Greek club.

“I am very happy that I am here and that I will continue my career in Panathinaikos,” said Essien on the official club website.

“I am looking forward to meet my new team and win trophies with my new teammates. I want to give back the love that everyone has shown me and to thank the fans that welcomed me so warmly.”

The contract is reportedly worth €1.2m per year for the 32-year-old.

Essien joined Milan from Chelsea as a free agent in January 2014.