Chelsea Football Club is delighted to confirm that Michael Essien has signed a new five-year contract that keeps him at Stamford Bridge until 2013.

The Ghana midfielder finalised the deal as the team touched down in China.

Essien said : 'I am really pleased to have extended my contract with Chelsea. I am very happy here; we have a great team and fantastic fans who have always made me welcome. With the addition of the new manager, I am feeling very positive about the season ahead.'

Luiz Felipe Scolari said: 'I have not been here long but it is clear to me that Michael Essien is one of the best midfield players in the world. I have always admired him and it is good news for me and for Chelsea that he signs for so long.'

Essien was the Chelsea fans' Player of the Year for the 2006/07 season.

Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon added: 'Since we signed Michael in 2005 he has been a fantastic player for Chelsea. I think everyone has been impressed by his power and skill. He is a player who would improve any team in Europe so we are very happy he has committed his future to Chelsea.'

In total so far, Essien has played 143 games for Chelsea with 14 goals to his name. He has won the Barclays Premier League plus the FA and Carling Cups since moving to Stamford Bridge. His strike at home to Arsenal in December 2006 was that campaign's Chelsea Goal of the Season.

He joins Wayne Bridge and Petr Cech in signing new deals this week.