Essien given permission to leave

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has told French television that Michael Essien will be allowed to leave the club and join Chelsea.

“I’ve done all I can to keep Michael in the squad, without being able to persuade him. It’s difficult for the squad,” said Aulas.

“I’ve done a lot of work on this project, I’ve spoken with other directors, the staff and everyone’s been pushing me to make this decision, to let him leave.

“I hope he does well, but not too well, because in my view the club he’ll be playing for will have a good chance to win the Champions League.”

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