REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, BANDUNG -- Persib had officially introduced Michael Essien as its new foreign player on Tuesday, at the same time with its 84th birthday. A representative of PT Persib Bandung Bermartabat Tedi Cahyono said the team needed a long persuasion to ask him join the team.

Finally, after a careful consideration, Essien decided to join Persib. "The process was about 2-3 months. We negotiated. We introduced Indonesia because not many people know Indonesia. We carefully explained that Indonesia was not as horrific as people imagined,” he said in Bandung on the same day.

There was a tug following the last bombing in Bandung. The team explained the real condition, so Essien considered and decided to join Persib.

Teddy hoped Essien would feel comfortable to live in Indonesia, so he could strengthen Persib by his undoubted skill. Essien would using number 5 t-shirt and served as a midfielder.

Meanwhile, Michael Essien stated his commitment to learn about Indonesia, Indonesian football, and especially Bandung. The former Chelsea player admitted that he did not know about Indonesia before. “I am ready to learn about many things here. Learn about Indonesian football and the club,” said him on Tuesday in Bandung.

However, this was not the first time for the 34 years old player to come to this country. He ever came to Indonesia on June 2013 when he served as a Chelsea player. He strengthen the Blues team in the trial against Indonesian All-stars team in Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Stadium.

Essien was one of Ghana’s best players. He ever took the Black Stars to play in the World Cup 2006. He had 58 caps with Ghana. He had ever been Ghana best player in 2008. Essien had his best moment with Olimpique Lyon and Chelsea. He had ever played for Real Madrid and AC Milan.

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