Michael Essien has described his move from Chelsea to Milan as “a dream come true”.

The Ghanaian midfielder arrived in Italy on Monday and signed a contract at the San Siro until June 2015, ending an eight-and-a-half-year spell at the London club.

Essien is poised to make his debut for the Rossoneri – who sit a disappointing ninth in Serie A – against Torino on Saturday at the San Siro.

“I always said to my friends and family that before I finished my career I wanted to wear the Milan jersey,” Essien said at a press conference yesterday.

“Then I spoke to (Milan coach Clarence) Seedorf and I didn’t want to join any other team.

“My decision to come here was only for one reason and that is to wear the colours of a top club. I am delighted to be here, it’s an honour.

“This is a dream come true... I can’t wait to make my debut.”

Essien joined Chelsea from Lyon in 2005 and made 256 appearances for the Blues.

The 31-year-old opted to leave Stamford Bridge after seeing his first-team opportunities limited this season and hopes the move to Milan will save his World Cup hopes.

Essien is also well aware that the seven-time European champions have fallen on hard times.

Milan trail 28 points behind league leaders Juventus. The club sacked coach Massimiliano Allegri earlier this month and appointed former midfielder Seedorf as his replacement.

The club is still alive in the UEFA Champions League and will take on Atletico Madrid in the last 16 of the competition next month.

“This is a strange season, but we will continue to do our best until the end,” Essien said.

“When you join a club like Milan you always play to win.

“I am very happy to be able to play in the Champions League with Milan.

“Atletico Madrid are a very good side but we can beat them.”