Michael Essien eyes back-to-back Champions League triumphs

Michael Essien is hoping to taste Champions League glory again this season with Real Madrid after lifting the trophy with Chelsea last term.

The 31-year-old won Europe’s premier club trophy under Roberto Di Matteo in May but has since sealed a season-long loan move to the Bernabeu to link-up with former Blues boss Jose Mourinho.

And the Ghana midfielder admits it would be a momentous achievement to win the competition again with his new club this year.

“When I returned to Chelsea [after the summer] I never imagined that this could happen, but football is full of surprises,” Essien told Marca.

“It’s no secret that Jose Mourinho has had a huge influence on my career since I arrived in England.

“So when he showed an interest in bringing me to Madrid I did not hesitate at all. One minute I was preparing to play in the Super Cup in Monaco and the next I was packing to travel to Madrid.

“It would be a great achievement for the club and for city, and it would also be great, at a personal level, to win two consecutive Champions Leagues.”