New Chelsea signing Abdul Baba Rahman has revealed that he spoke extensively with Ghanaian international Michael Essien before making the move to Stamford Bridge.
Rahman has been rated as some of the brightest prospects in world football. It was not surprising that the London outfit decided to splash more than £ 20 million on the youngster. At just 21 years of age, he is not expected to go straight into the first-team. Instead, he will be competing for a first-team spot alongside Cesar Azpilicueta, who is naturally a right back.
Rahman says that the positive words about Chelsea by the former midfielder Essien helped him convince that a move to England was the right one at this stage in his career. Many would feel that the 21-year-old will not get enough first-team opportunities to continue his development. Bundesliga outfit Augsburg gave him several first-team opportunities and this enabled him to develop.Rahman, though, is confident of making an impact. Essien remains as one of the top Chelsea players of the Roman Abramovich era. Several knee injuries robbed him of a stellar career and he now plays for Greek outfit Panathinaikos.
Apart fromRahman, Chelsea also have another Ghanaian international – Christian Atsu – in their ranks."I spoke with both of them [Essien and Atsu] and they were very positive about Chelsea. They told me it was a great club with very nice people, which was good to hear.I watched him [Essien] whenever I could. In Ghana they only showed the Premier League at that time so I was always watching him, he was a great player for Chelsea.It’s a big inspiration for me.I’m really looking forward to trying to carry on the pattern of African players doing well for the club. I can’t wait to get started," said Rahman.