The Ghana international had been little used by coach José Mourinho at Chelsea.
Milan announced the signing of holding midfielder Michael Essien on Friday, through a statement posted on their website. He is the first player to sign for the club since the return of Clarence Seedorf as coach of the team.
“At 31-years-old and a curriculum that includes domestic and Champions League titles and victories with the Ghana national team, Michael Essien is expected in Milan tonight,” said the statement from Milan.
Essien joined Chelsea in 2005 but spent last year on loan at Real Madrid. In his time with the Blues, he won the Champions League, two Premier League titles and four FA Cups.
Details of the deal were not disclosed by Milan, but the Italian press have reported that the Ghanaian was free and will sign a year and a half contract.
