Ghana international and former Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien arrived in Athens on Monday night to join Panathinaikos F.C. after the Athens-based club secured a Champions League spot last weekend. The 32-year-old football player is expected to begin the next chapter of his career in Greece signing a two-year contract worth €2million as a free agent following the conclusion of an 18-month spell in Serie A with Milan. The Ghana international, who won nine trophies, including two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, one League Cup, a Community Shield, and the 2011-12 Champions League playing for Chelsea between 2005 and 2014, gladly accepted interviews to local media and poses for photographs with Panathinaikos supporters during his arrival at the Athens International airport. Michael Essien was the Blues’ player of the year in 2007 and the scorer of their goal of the season in 2007 and 2009. The talented player, who began his career with French club Bastia will join Panathinaikos after his great success playing for Real Madrid and AC Milan.