MILAN, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Michael Essien said on Friday that he wanted to join AC Milan to follow Claren Seedorf.

"I decided to join Milan because of Clarence Seedorf," the 31-year-old Ghanaian midfielder said when he touched down at Malpensa Airport of Milan to complete his transfer from Chelsea to AC Milan.

Seedorf, who took over at the Milan side earlier this month, turned out to be the deciding factor for Essien's transfer.

"He is a great man and I hope that he will also become a great manager. I can't wait to play for Milan. Kaka and Balotelli are great players," said Essien.

Essien has been released by Chelsea on a free transfer and is expected to sign a Milan contract until June 2015 after completing his medical.