Michael Essien stage and was out of action for six months, missing the majority of the 2008–09 season, before returning on 4 March to play for Chelsea Reserves against Aston Villa Reserves. He scored the last goal in the 4–3 loss. He still managed to take part in 10 of Ghana's 11 qualification matches, amassing more than 800 minutes of game time as Ghana finished at the top of their group to seal qualification to the 2010 World Cup. However, it was announced on 27 May 2010 that Essien would miss the World Cup after he was told he would not fully
Emmanuel "Mannie" Essien South Africa. Broadcaster Olisa Adibua, at Cool FM later spoke to the manager about giving him a job as a producer. Essien went on to produce radio sweepers and station IDs for Cool FM, Wazobia FM, and Nigeria Info Fm. His manager, engineer Amin Moussalli, advised him to go into radio presenting. Essien is the host of the TV cooking competition, "Knorr Taste Quest", and is a co-host on "'Discovery 234" on DStv. On radio he hosts the "Good Morning Nigeria Show", and is a voiceover and audio jingle producer for brands including MTN, Coca-Cola, Chicken Republic, and FCMB. Essien