Essien tougher after injury

Ghana midfielder believes lay-off has proved beneficial

Last updated: 29th July 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Essien tougher after injury

Essien: Stronger than ever

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Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien believes he is now mentally tougher after his injury-hit campaign last season.

The Ghana star was sidelined for more than half a year because of torn knee ligaments sustained while on international duty last September.

But Essien was back with a bang in the closing stages of 2008/09 as he played an influential role in helping Chelsea to FA Cup glory and the UEFA Champions League semi-finals.

The 26-year-old admits he found it difficult to cope with his time on the sidelines, but he feels he has become a better player as a result.

"The injury has actually helped me a lot. I had to be strong to cope with the rehab and all the hard work. I have come back stronger than I was before," he said in the London Evening Standard.

"After coming back from an injury like that I am now tougher mentally. You have to be in order to cope with it.

"I don't worry about the injury now because I'm the kind of person that when I'm on the pitch I forget about everything and just get on with my football.

"It was really tough to watch the games from the stands and seeing my team go through difficulties last season. I'm the type of person who wants to be on the pitch so that we win and lose together."