Michael Essien has turned down the chance to join both QPR and West Brom out of loyalty to former club Chelsea, according to his agent.

The Ghanaian midfielder, who currently plays for AC Milan, left the Blues last January following a successful spell at Stamford Bridge spanning nearly nine years.

And despite being offered the opportunity to return to the Premier League by two different clubs, the 32-year-old opted to remain loyal to the Blues.

‘Essien will not play in the Premier League for any club other than Chelsea,’ agent Fabien Piveteau told Calciomercato.

‘We had offers from West Bromwich Albion and Queens Park Rangers but we refused.’

Blues fans may recall Frank Lampard insisting he could never play for another Premier League side at the end of his Chelsea career, yet may now line-up against his former club at Stamford Bridge next weekend.