Homecoming for Essien

The 27-year-old travelled with Chelsea officials?and?representatives from various charities to help unveil a new water pump which will make clean drinking water available to villagers.

The midfielder also opened a new block of public toilets and launched a series of children’s books based on his life, which?will be made available to schools in the area free of charge.

“This is the day I have been looking forward to for a long time, it’s a home coming I have been dreaming about, ever since I went abroad to play football,” Essien told Reuters.

“I am glad my dreams have come through.”

“I am happy that things of this nature are taking place and I think all of us will also learn to do the same so that the community will benefit.”

More than 20,000 people turned out to welcome Essien home, and the Chelsea man also watched a local sports day where eight district teams took part in football, volleyball and netball games.