Chelsea hero Michael Essien is back at Cobham and training with the club.

West London Sport reports the 33-year-old, who was under contract at Stamford Bridge for nine season, is a free agent after leaving Panathinaikos.

He is working at the club's Cobham HQ in a bid to build up his fitness while he looks for a new club.

Essien even played for a Chelsea XI in a 2-1 friendly win over Brentford on Wednesday.

Loic Remy and Dominic Solanke were on the scoresheet for the Blues, who included fringe men Lucas Piazon, Kenneth Omeruo, Patrick Bamford, Christian Atsu and Kenedy.