Ghana midfielder Michael Essien has accepted substantial damages in an out-of-court settlement of his libel action against English newspaper the 'People' on Monday.

The tabloid was sued by the Ghanaian regarding a claim that he cheated on his long-term partner.

The Chelsea player brought proceedings against MGN Limited over “untrue and grossly defamatory” allegations in two articles in the People, published in May 2008 and May this year.

His legal firm, Schillings, said they claimed that Essien cheated on girlfriend Nadia Buari by having numerous affairs behind her back, including one in which he fathered a child, and that she had called off their wedding.

Solicitor John Kelly said the newspaper has apologised and paid Essien substantial undisclosed damages and his costs.

He said: “There has been a lot of inaccurate reporting concerning Michael and he was not prepared to allow this misreporting to continue.”