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Michael Essien joins Indonesian side Persib Bandung as former Chelsea and Real Madrid star seeks new challenge

Former Chelsea and Real Madrid midfielder Michael Essien has joined Indonesia's Persib Bandung.

The ex-Ghana international, 34, has been without a club for six months after leaving Panathinaikos of Greece in 2016 and has been training with Chelsea's reserve team.

Essien, who turned down a move to Australia's Melbourne Victory last September, spent eight seasons at Chelsea, winning two English Premier League and one UEFA Champions League titles.

Michael Essien, formerly of Chelsea, has signed for Indonesian club Persib Bandung
Michael Essien, formerly of Chelsea, has signed for Indonesian club Persib Bandung
The former Ghana international, 34, who also played for Real Madrid, had been without a club for six months after leaving Panathinaikosu00a0
The former Ghana international, 34, who also played for Real Madrid, had been without a club for six months after leaving Panathinaikos

Indonesian media reported Tuesday that Essien has signed a one-year deal at the start of the new league season with an option to extend for one more.