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Former Chelsea star Michael Essien has revealed that he doesn't know what the future holds as he inches closer to the end of his playing career. The 35-year old has revealed that he's mentally prepared to hang up his boots, and is happy with what he's achieved during his career. "The idea of stopping is not difficult for me because I have known for some time now that I'm getting to that point," he told KweséESPN. "The most difficult part is what to do after football." Despite representing the likes of Chelsea, Real Madrid and AC Milan during a glittering career, Essien was deemed surplus to requirements at Indonesian club Persib Bandung earlier this year. "I look back and smile with pride at what I have achieved," he said, "and what I have done in football. "Personally I have thoroughly enjoyed and loved every bit of my football career," he added. "I know one day it will come to an end and when it does I will have some very good memories." In particular, Essien shone at Chelsea after signing for the Pensioners from Olympique Lyonnais in a £26 million deal in August 2005. He won two Premier League titles, four FA Cups and the 2012 Champions League during nine years with the Londoners, before leaving permanently for Milan in 2014. "I had a great time when I was there," he added. "I trained and played with some great players and it made me a much better player because I needed to be at my very best to play. "I am glad I was part of the generation that made the team such a household name around the world." Essien will line up alongside some of his former Chelsea teammates as part of a Blues XI who will take on Inter Milan at Stamford Bridge on May 18 in a tribute match for the recently departed Ray Wilkins.
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