Essien wants Lampard stay

Ghana star keen keep midfield partner

By Peter O'Rourke   Last updated: 12th August 2007   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Essien wants Lampard stay

Essien: Ready for battle

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Chelsea star Michael Essien has called on the club to keep team-mate Frank Lampard at Stamford Bridge.

Lampard's future at Chelsea has been the subject of intense speculation all summer as talks over a new deal continue to drag on.

The England international has raised doubts over his long-term future at Stamford Bridge by putting off talks until the end of the season.

Essien hopes both parties can resolve the matter as he is big fan of his midfielder partner.

Frank is a fantastic player, he can do anything," Essien told the News of the World.

"I'm pleased to say that he is a really top player, a world-class player.

Disappointment

"We have to give Frank a great contract. We have to keep him here."

Meanwhile, Essien has warned Manchester United that Chelsea are hell-bent on regaining their Premier League crown this season.

Chelsea get their campaign underway on Sunday when they play host to Birmingham, live on Sky Sports 1 and Essien says the whole Blues squad are determined to make up for last season's disappointment in failing to secure their third consecutive title.

"It is one of the main trophies we have to win this year and we're going to work really hard," added Essien.

"Last season we did our best but had terrible injuries.

"We tried to do something, but at the end we couldn't make it. Injuries and the fact we were unlucky at certain points made the difference, but these things happen in football.

"Now everything that happened last season is past, we have to focus and work really hard, and see what happens this year. We have a new season coming up with new faces and we are looking forward to winning the title back.

"We're going to work really hard and see what happens."

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