Ghana international Michael Essien has signed a two-year contract extension at Chelsea which will keep the 27-year-old at Stamford Bridge until 2015.

"I am delighted because the club has shown a very big confidence and interest in me," said Essien. "I am looking forward to coming back and enjoying my football and winning more trophies with the club. That is why I am here. I think it is one of the most important contracts in my career."

I think it is one of the most important contracts in my career.
Michael Essien, Chelsea midfielder

Essien is currently sidelined with a knee injury that has ruled him out of the FIFA World Cup™, and he has not featured for Chelsea since suffering a hamstring injury in December. However, Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti says Essien remains an integral part of his plans as he bids to build on his side's double-winning campaign of last season.

"I am very happy that Michael has agreed to extend his time with us," he told Chelsea's official website, "as it means he will continue to be a very important player for Chelsea long into the future. Essien has made 185 appearances and scored 22 goals for Chelsea since arriving at the club in £26m deal from Lyon in 2005.