Michael Essien wants Champions League success

Michael Essien has admitted that it would be "a great achievement" if he could secure the Champions League for the second successive season.

The 31-year-old won the European Cup with Chelsea last season, but joined Real Madrid on loan in the summer in order to link up with Jose Mourinho once more.

"When I returned to Chelsea I never imagined that this could happen, but football is full of surprises. It's no secret that Jose Mourinho has had a huge influence on my career since I arrived in England," he told Marca.

"So when he showed an interest in bringing me to Madrid I did not hesitate at all. One minute I was preparing to play in the Super Cup in Monaco and the next I was packing to travel to Madrid.

"It would be a great achievement for the club and for city, and it would also be great, at a personal level, to win two consecutive Champions Leagues."

Essien has made four appearances for Madrid this season.