10 Chelsea Heroes Whose Careers Have Nosedived Since Leaving

9. Michael Essien

Technically, Ghanaian midfielder Michael Essien only left Stamford Bridge six months ago, so judging his post-Chelsea career might seem premature. However, considering that since August 2012 he has spent 18 months out on loan at both Real Madrid and AC Milan, one can surmise that his Blues career ended a long time ago. It was simply a case of one injury too many for the box-to-box midfielder that the Blues shelled out £24.4 million for during the summer of 2005 - back then, the Lyon midfielder was quite possibly the most coveted young midfielder in world football and was earmarked as natural heirs to Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira at Manchester United and Arsenal respectively. His time at Stamford Bridge was certainly a success, as Essien established himself as one of the most effective midfielders in Europe. Blessed with dynamism, strength and an explosive shot, the robust Ghanaian played a pivotal role in Chelsea winning their second league title in a row. Essien would go on to make over 250 appearances for the Blues, scoring 25 times, and finishing his time at Stamford Bridge with two league winners€™ medals, four FA Cups, a league Cup, a Community Shield, and the most coveted medal of all - a Champions League. He was immediately chucked out on loan to Real Madrid, however, reunited with former boss Jose Mourinho and subsequently featured 34 times in all competitions for the club - with most appearances coming in an unfamiliar position of right-back. He then made nine appearances on loan at AC Milan last season, and is now back at the San Siro on a permanent basis. While he still displays the same leadership qualities and determination, the injuries have left the 2007 Chelsea Player of the Year a shell of the extraordinary player he once was.