By Patrick Akoto
Ghana midfielder Michael Essien is determined to silence his critics as his future continues to speculate in the English media.
Chelsea are set for a summer clearout, with a number of players that helped secure the Blues the Champions League trophy set to be shown the exit.
Already striker Didier Drogba has confirmed his departure from the club while Branislav Ivanovic, Paulo Ferreira, John Obi Mikel, Florent Malouda, Salomon Kalou and back up goalkeeper Ross Turnbull have all been told to look elsewhere.
But the English side is believed to be ready to stick to their famous old guard, by offering the former Lyon man an extension to his current contract.
The 29-year-old is fired up to prove his critics wrong next season.
“He is aware of all the rumours but knowing Essien like I do, he’s not the least perturbed even though sometimes it get irritating, a source close to the player said
“He is keen on getting a good pre-season in full blast. He’s going on holidays in the US and after that he’ll report early for pre-season and get down to work before everyone get back,â€