Former Black Stars midfielder has decided to pull out of a planned deal that would have taken him Down Under to ply his trade.
Essien, who last played for Panathinaikos in the Greek Superlig, was set to join Australian A-League side Melbourne victory.
The club was hoping to grab him as a free agent, hoping to sign him under the guest marquee rule available to Australian clubs.
But the deal has reportedly fallen through after both sides could not agree on personal terms. Michael Essien reportedly decided to pull the plug on the deal after some negotiations.
“As it stands, Michael Essien won’t be joining Melbourne Victory as a guest marquee in the 2016/17 season,” a club spokesman told the Herald Sun Thursday
“The club has been in constant discussions with Michael and his representatives, but due to some personal issues, Michael has unfortunately decided not to move to Melbourne.” the spokesperson added.