Michael Essien has signed a new five-year contract with Chelsea. The new deal will keep the Ghana international midfielder at Stamford Bridge until 2013.

"I am really pleased to have extended my contract with Chelsea," Essien, who joined the club from Lyons for £24.4 million in 2005, said. "I am very happy here. We have a great team and fantastic fans who have always made me welcome. With the addition of the new manager [Luiz Felipe Scolari], I am feeling very positive about the season ahead."

Scolari was pleased to tie Essien down amid continued speculation about the future of Frank Lampard. "I have not been here long but it is clear to me that Michael Essien is one of the best midfield players in the world," Scolari said. "I have always admired him and it is good news for me and for Chelsea that he signs for so long."

Essien, who has made 143 appearances for the Blues, scoring on 14 occasions, is also hopeful Didier Drogba will follow his lead and agree a new contact at Stamford Bridge.

"Hopefully things will work out for Didier because we need him to stay," Essien said. "If he can make up his mind it will be good for us. He knows what he wants so it is up to him."

The announcement of the deal comes just 24 hours after Petr Cech, the goalkeeper, confirmed he had also signed a new five-year contract with the club.