Essien ‘sulking’ for Chelsea

By European Football
July 18 2005

Lyon chairman Jean-Michel Aulas admits has spoken of his frustration in being unable to persuade Chelsea target Michael Essien to sign a new contract, Chelsea are thought to be about to bid €35 million for the player after seeing a previous bid of €30 million fail.

But it looks like Aulas has given up any hope of hanging onto the player and is now just hoping for the best price he can get.

Speaking to L'Equipe Aulas stated:

"The negotiations are not stopped."

"Michael is sulking. It hurts to see that as usually he is smiling and so cheerful.

"He is really sad but the whole group is penalised by that situation.

"Chelsea did everything to push him to say he will not go to Korea but I perfectly respected what he wanted.

"He is still under contract with us for three more years. With him we have more chances to win a fifth consecutive national title.

"But if he would have to leave, it could not be at an inferior sum than for the best players in his position in the world.

"Chelsea had accepted the asking price of Liverpool for Steven Gerrard. I said to Chelsea he will only leave at Gerrard's price. Chelsea has refused so far.

"I am keen to keep him for one more year to transfer him next season at a very inferior price."