Michael Essien: 'I have recovered from knee injuries'

Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien has insisted that he is 'still the same player' as he looks to re-establish himself back at Stamford Bridge this season.

Essien spent last season on loan at Real Madrid as he continued his recovery from a knee injury, and the Ghana international is confident that he is over the fitness problems that have plagued him since 2010.

The 30-year-old told reporters: "My style hasn't changed, I'm still the same. You can tell that I am still as strong and keeping fit.

"My knees are fine now. My knees are not giving me any problems. I just have to keep myself fit and get ready to do a good job for the team.

"When you have these injuries, it's hard to get back but I go with the flow. I don't put pressure on myself or anything. I just listen to the doctors and once I'm fit and training, I give everything."

The former Lyon player made 34 appearances for Real Madrid last season.