Michael Essien ready for Chelsea fight

Michael Essien believes that he still has a role to play at Chelsea and is close to getting back to his best.

Essien has endured a frustrating couple of seasons at Stamford Bridge, blighted by persistent injury problems.

The Ghanaian midfielder says that he intends to fight for his place at Chelsea and will be there when called upon by manager Roberto Di Matteo.

Essien told The Telegraph: "My intention is to stay and I'm looking forward to a new season, I still have two more years here. I'm still here, I'm still around.

"I feel now that I am coming back to what I used to be. It's been a long road but I am almost there.

"I've not set myself any targets. I just pray to be injury-free, I'm very calm. I don't talk much but put me on the pitch and I will do my best."

The 29-year-old will have a battle on his hands to earn a place in Chelsea's team for their Premier League opener against Wigan Athletic on August 19.