<<Print>>

Ghana midfielder Andre Ayew says Michael Essien will not get things easy at Real Madrid as many have predicted. The Ghana international became the final Madrid summer signing on transfer deadline day after securing a season�s-long loan move from Chelsea. Many have hailed the 29-year-old�s move believing it marks the end if his bench warming woes as he is reunited with Manager Jose Mourinho. Ayew, who is also backing the ex-Olympique Lyon enforcer to regain his form, however says Essien must work hard to earn regular first team action at the Santiago Bernabeu. �The move is good. It is the biggest club in the world. Hopefully he�ll have the opportunity to play because he is with a coach that knows him very well,� the Marseille talisman said. �We know it is going to be difficult at the beginning because there are a lot of players there but he (Essien) is a player that has a lot of determination. �He has a great mentality and a strong character so I believe that if he has gone to Madrid it is because he deserves it and hopefully he�ll prove to everyone that he deserves to be there.� Essien fell down the perking order under boss Roberto di Matteo at Chelsea since his return from a lengthy injury layoff in November last year. The worrying situation at Stamford Bridge necessitated his move away from the club in a bid to revive his career.