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Ex-Chelsea star Michael Essien signs for Indonesian club Persib Bandung

Former Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien has signed for Persib Bandung to play in the Indonesia Liga 1 this season.

Having made his last professional appearance for Panathinaikos in Greece, Essien's arrival has given Persib Bandung a huge boost ahead of their 2017 campaign.

The ex-Ghana international will be the highest-paid player in Indonesian football, with a contract reportedly worth 800,000 euros a year.

Essien, 34, has been given the No. 5 jersey and is expected to help the club challenge for top honours as the Indonesian giants celebrate their 84th anniversary this year.

There is an option to extend his contract till 2018 should the tenacious midfielder shine in his expected role as the chief playmaker for the team.