Former Chelsea and AC Milan star Michael Essien has been released by club Persib Bandung.

The 35-year-old was revealed to have extended his deal with the Indonesian giants.

However, as the club have signed a number of foreign strikers, they had to let go of one of their players in order to comply with league policy.

"[Michael] Essien was not among the players we launched because we wanted to fulfil the PSSI regulation of four foreign players in a team" club official Zainuri Hasyim told journalists.

The former Champions League and Premier League winner is currently expected to link up with Bali United.