Essien’s agent says injury worry prompted strike

MICHAEL ESSIEN’S agent last night insisted the Chelsea target has chosen not to play for current side Lyon because he is worried about picking up an injury.

The French side, managed by former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier, have turned down two offers for the 22-year-old Ghana midfielder.

Essien is determined to secure a passage out of France and insists he is only interested in playing for the Barclays Premiership champions.

He said: “I am totally disappointed about what is happening and I feel very let down by Lyon.

“This is turning into a nightmare for me and I cannot understand why they are acting this way.

“The club know what I want, they know I want to leave and I have kept them informed at every stage, but they are behaving very badly over this.

“I have made it clear to them that I will not play for them again. From now on I am training with the junior players and I will not take part in any first-team matches for them - they know that.”

However, Fabien Piveteau tonight insisted: “He’s afraid to be injured.

“It’s the chance of his life and he does not have a bad attitude - but he does not want to pick up injuries.”

The agent added: “I think today is a very important day - I think Lyon understand Michael does not want to stay. The coach [Gerard Houllier] is not happy that Michael won’t play - but it’s difficult for Michael.

“He is not happy but he goes to training every day and has no problem with the other players.”

According to the agent, it is Chelsea’s continued interest in Essien which means he is not interested in a move to any other club.

Piveteau continued: “Many clubs want Michael - but the problem for them is the price.

“He has decided to go to Chelsea because they have pushed for one month now - they want him.

“I’m not sure if we will find a solution soon but I hope we do.”

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas is not willing to release the midfielder unless he receives a bid comparable to the offer Chelsea made for Steven Gerrard, thought to be in excess of e43million.

Aulas, who has set a deadline of August 26 to complete the deal, said: “Michael is considered by coach Gerard Houllier at the same level or perhaps even better than Steven Gerrard at a younger age.

“As long as the offer does not correspond to the price, there will be no sale.”