Chelsea’s Michael Essien joins AC Milan

Chelsea's Ghanian international midfielder Michael Essien has joined AC Milan, the Italian Serie A side announced on Friday.

"Michael Essien will arrive in Milan this evening," AC Milan said in a statement, praising the "high level curriculum" of the player.

Essien, 31, arrives on a free transfer having signed an 18-month deal with the northern outfit placed 11th in Serie A, the Italian press reported.

Essien is the first recruit of new Milan coach Clarence Seedorf, and he could play in their Champions League last 16 tie against Atletico Madrid next month with two Milan midfielders suspended for the match – Riccardo Montolivo and Ghanian Sulley Muntari.