Muntari: Essien Can Give So Much To Milan

The Rossoneri midfielder believes his fellow Ghanaian has a lot to contribute to the side and spoke of his long-standing friendship with the club's new arrival. AC Milan�s Sulley Muntari has backed new arrival Michael Essien to succeed at the club. The 31-year-old signed an 18-month contract with the Rossoneri on Tuesday after opting to leave Chelsea, and Muntari is looking forward to linking up with his countryman. Speaking to Milan Channel, Muntari said: �I�m convinced that he can give so much at Milan. Me and my team-mates are helping him to settle as soon as possible.� Muntari and Essien, both midfielders, have regularly played together in Ghana�s national side and know one another well. Muntari added: �He's a quiet guy and does not talk much. We've been friends for 12 years, we have often shared a room when we are with our country.� Despite Milan�s Coppa Italia exit to Udinese, Muntari is remaining positive over the remainder of the Rossoneri�s league campaign after two late goals gave them a 2-1 win at Cagliari on Sunday. "Cagliari's victory gave us great confidence, we must continue to do well," he said. �We have to give continuity to the results against Torino on Saturday, we are listening to the coach and we are trying to put into practice in his ideas. �Seedorf's work is not easy, it is important to create a compact group. Things are going well and we want to follow this path.�