Mourinho gave Essien hint of Chelsea return

Jose Mourinho informed Michael Essien of his return to Chelsea while managing his final match for Real Madrid.

Midfielder Essien spent last season on loan at the Bernabeu and scored in Mourinho's final match in charge, a 4-2 win over Osasuna, before being informed of his manager's intentions.

Two days later Mourinho's return to Stamford Bridge, following an absence of nearly six years, was confirmed.

"When I scored my last goal for Real Madrid on the last day of the season, I ran over to celebrate with him and was expecting him to congratulate me when I hugged him," Essien wrote in his blog on www.chelseafc.com.

"Instead he leaned over and said: 'See you at pre-season training on July 8'. I found that so funny.