Muntari: Essien can give so much to Milan

The Rossoneri midfielder believes his fellow Ghanaian has a lot to contribute to the side and spoke of his long-standing friendship with the club’s new arrival

AC Milan’s Sulley Muntari has backed new arrival Michael Essien to succeed at the club.

The 31-year-old signed an 18-month contract with the Rossoneri on Tuesday after opting to leave Chelsea, and Muntari is looking forward to linking up with his countryman.

Speaking to Milan Channel, Muntari said: “I’m convinced that he can give so much at Milan. Me and my team-mates are helping him to settle as soon as possible.”

Muntari and Essien, both midfielders, have regularly played together in Ghana’s national side and know one another well.

Muntari added: “He’s a quiet guy and does not talk much. We’ve been friends for 12 years, we have often shared a room when we are with our country.”

Despite Milan’s Coppa Italia exit to Udinese, Muntari is remaining positive over the remainder of the Rossoneri’s league campaign after two late goals gave them a 2-1 win at Cagliari on Sunday.

“Cagliari’s victory gave us great confidence, we must continue to do well,” he said.

“We have to give continuity to the results against Torino on Saturday, we are listening to the coach and we are trying to put into practice in his ideas.

“Seedorf’s work is not easy, it is important to create a compact group. Things are going well and we want to follow this path.”

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