Essien's wife Puni buys Italian club Calcio Como

Michael Essien's wife, Akosua Puni Essien, has become the new owner of Italian Lega Pro side Calcio Como.

The former Chelsea record-signing's spouse, who is a British-born with Ghanaian descent, acquired the club through auction after the outfit's leadership announced months ago that they were bankrupt.

More than thirty interested buyers, according to the bankruptcy trustees, made bids but it was the Ghana international's wife whose offer was eventually accepted.

She is reported to have acquired the club at a price of €237,000 at the auction held in the city of Como.

"Mrs. Puni Essien and her team will soon be in our city to meet the fans and supporters of the club. In the meantime, they intend to let you know that they are honoured to be here, in Como, and become part of a club which boasts 110 years of history," a club statement read.

Puni, until 2013, was Essien's publicist before they tied the knot. She is now the head of Michael Essien Foundation, an NGO set up by the midfielder to give back to the needy in Ghana.

Como currently sit seventh with 44 points in Group A of the Pro League standings, with a little chance to qualify for the playoffs.

Essien joined Indonesian Liga 1 giants Persib Bandung this week in a one-year deal, with an option to extend for an additional year.