Former Chelsea star Michael Essien revealed his desire to be the catalyst for more world class football players to play in the Liga 1 of Indonesia in the future.
Indonesian side Persib Bandung have announced the signing of the 34-year-old midfielder on a one-year deal as it was confirmed on Tuesday.
“I hope I am the prelude to other world players moving to Indonesia,” he told the club’s official website.
“Hopefully this is a good beginning for Indonesian football and also for Persib.
“Thank you for bringing me here. I’m excited and want to give my best.”
Essien, who has also played for Real Madrid and AC Milan, is the highest profile signing for Indonesian football since Cameroon World Cup hero Roger Milla and Argentine World Cup winner Mario Kempes played in the country in the 1990s.
The former Ghana international was one of the finest midfielders in world football in his pomp. He played his best football at Chelsea, where he won two Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League and four FA Cups.