I Have Never Been Racially Abused In England - Chelsea's Michael Essien

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Michael Essien, Ghana (PA)

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Chelsea star Michael Essien has revealed that he has never been a victim of racial abuse in England.

Despite that, the midfielder knows that there is still room for improvement on the issue in English football, and has given his backing to the 'Kick It Out' anti-racism campaign.

"I think first of all racism is no good thing – we are all human beings and it is only the colour that changes. It is not good to have racism in football and life more generally. We are all doing our best here to try and kick it out," he told Chelsea's official website.

"I have never received racist abuse in England and I am glad we are doing the right things here.

"I'm proud to be asked to be this season's ambassador and I support Kick It Out's work fighting against racism and discrimination. Football in England is special and they are an important organisation.

"I have never really suffered. Once when I was in France with Bastia I heard something, but I just ignored it. For me it is just silly – I was able to ignore it and continue with my football.

"I am an easy-going person and don't take these things on board or get myself involved. I close my mind and get on with what I am doing, but thinking back it makes me a little angry. I don't let it get to me, but it is not a good thing for anyone to do or even think.

"I don't want to start getting involved in recommending punishments to other countries, but everyone should have the responsibility of stopping racism. If it is too much I think it would be best to stop the game, I think it may have happened before, it would make it easier to just walk off."

Essien is also looking forward to competing with Ghana in next summer's World Cup in South Africa, with a host of Premier Leagues stars likely to be on show with African teams.

"I think it is very good to have the World Cup for the first time in Africa and be qualified to be a part of it. I'm really looking forward to it and I hope it is a memorable occasion," he added.

"The future is bright for African players and African football, I am really looking forward to playing in both the World Cup and the Cup of Nations next year. There are African players in all the top teams in Europe now, at Chelsea alone there are players from three different African countries – it is great."

Zack Wilson, Goal.com UK