From their association with Chelsea in 2005, Jose Mourinho has not yet truly left Essien. At odds with the Blues last season, the Ghanaian midfielder received the outstretched hand of the Portuguese coach at Real Madrid in a loan.

His return to Stamforbridge is beneficial for the former Lyon player. Now inseparable from his mentor, Essien has revealed why he called Jose Mourinho “Dad.”

“Many people have asked why I called him at times” dad”. It is because he has shaped my future and realized who I was, like any good father. Even when he was not at Chelsea, he still wishes me good luck, during and after the season, he said before adding “he has never been disloyal to me and I love and admire him because of that”.