AC Milan midfielder Michael Essien has called for the team to stick together during what has so far been a testing season.

The former Chelsea midfielder was signed last month, as the Rossoneri currently sit 11th in Serie A.

Speaking to the club's official TV station after their 3-1 defeat to Napoli, Essien said: "I'm very happy to have played 90 minutes against Napoli.

"I hadn't played a full match for a long time, but unfortunately the result wasn't positive. We have to keep on playing together and then things will only get better.

"This is a very difficult season for Milan, but we have to stay united. We all have to give a little bit extra and help each other out. We are Milan and we have to do better."

The defeat to Rafael Benitez's side was Essien's Milan debut.

Written by
Paul Gorst