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 signed to Rayramon Records Australia, and released his debut single in 2015 called "Moving On" featuring musician Ray Ramon and DJ Andromeda from the U.K. The music was co-written by Jenny Ramon from Australia. "Moving On" has received airplay on radio stations in Nigeria, Australia, and the UK. In 2014, his show "Good Morning Nigeria Show" was awarded the most outstanding radio show in the Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards. He also won favourite On Air Personality at Hollywood's Nickelodeon Kids Choice awards in Hollywood USA in March, 2015. Essien is married to Grace Edewede Essien with whom he has two