Saturday, 29th September, 2012
Michael Essien believes that playing in La Liga is nicer than turning out in England’s Premier League.
The Ghana midfielder joined Real Madrid on a season-long loan from Chelsea in the summer and is already settling into life at the Bernabeu.
relatedNewsStory Following seven years at Stamford Bridge, the 29-year-old was ready to embrace a new challenge and, when the manager who brought him to Chelsea, Jose Mourinho, called, Essien was on the first plane to Madrid.
The defensive midfielder has so far clocked up one appearance for Real Madrid in La Liga and one in the Champions League. Yet already he has seen enough of Spanish football to believe it will be a hugely enjoyable experience.
"People always talk about the Premier League as the best league, but La Liga is more pleasant", said Essien.
"You play more football here and there are more goals.
"The Spanish league is definitely one of the most important and challenging competitions in Europe. I’m looking forward to a good season and hoping to defend our title."
Essien also stressed that, in his opinion, he is in the place that every single player wants to be, at the Bernabeu, turning out for Real Madrid.
"We’re talking about Real Madrid, one of the biggest clubs in the world.
"Every player wants to be here."
Real Madrid are thought to have the option to take Essien on a permanent basis should he impress in the Spanish capital and it appears the Ghana star may already be falling in love with his new surroundings.
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