COMMENT
Michael Essien’s international career was over long before he officially announced it on Ghanaian television this week , but while he will go down in history as one of the Black Stars’ greatest players, injury denied him his finest hour.
On one hand, Essien’s legend has been established—and firmly established—regardless of what he achieved with the national side.
He’s one of the most decorated African players ever, with only really Sammy Kuffour—of his compatriots—able to rival him in terms of honours.
The Bison has represented a handful of European giants, with spells at AC Milan, Real Madrid and Panathinaikos following his early-career success at Olympique Lyonnais and Chelsea.