Michael Essien to follow Jose Mourinho back to Stamford Bridge

Essien, who scored only one goal in 28 appearances for Real, was signed by then Blues boss Mourinho in 2005 and sees him as a father figure, even calling him ‘Daddy’.

He said: “We have a very good relationship. I understand him very well. Daddy knows I can play in any position he wants me to, except goalkeeper.”

Meanwhile, Mourinho’s men were held 3-3 at fifth-placed Real Sociedad.

Sami Khedira had pounced for what looked like an 80th-minute winner but Xavier Prieto levelled for Sociedad three minutes into injury time.