( CNN ) -- Ghana international Michael Essien has followed goalkeeper Petr Cech in agreeing a new five-year contract with English Premier League side Chelsea . Michael Essien has made a big impression on new Chelsea coach Luiz Felipe Scolari . The midfielder , who is in China for the start of the club 's pre-season tour , is now tied to the London outfit until the summer of 2013 . The 25-year-old has made 143 appearances since moving to Stamford Bridge from French club Lyon in a $ 49 million transfer in August 2005 , scoring 14 goals in total and helping Chelsea win the league title that season . Essien 's decision to commit his long-term future to the club is a boost for new manager Luiz Felipe Scolari , who allowed veteran holding midfielder Claude Makelele to join Paris St Germain on Monday . `` I have not been here long but it is clear to me that Michael Essien is one of the best midfield players in the world , '' Scolari said . `` I have always admired him and it is good news for me and for Chelsea that he signs for so long . '' The Accra-born Essien , who started his career in France with Bastia in 2000 before moving to Lyon three years later , was also pleased with the deal . `` I am really pleased to have extended my career with Chelsea , '' he said . `` I am very happy here . We have a great team and fantastic fans who have always made me welcome . `` With the addition of the new manager , I am feeling very positive about the season ahead . '' Chelsea announced on Monday that Czech Republic goalkeeper Cech signed a new five-year deal , while England full-back Wayne Bridge committed himself to four more years last week . Scolari is still seeking to keep England midfielder Frank Lampard , who has ended talks over a new deal and now appears to be resigned to waiting until his contract runs out before joining Inter Milan following the upcoming season . The Brazilian has so far added only Portugal playmaker Deco to his midfield ranks . His first match in charge will be Wednesday 's friendly against Guangzhou Pharmaceutical , one of the three games the team will play in China . Striker Didier Drogba , who has been linked with moves to AC Milan and Barcelona , is not among the touring squad due to a recurring knee problem . Khalid Boulahrouz , meanwhile , completed his transfer from Chelsea to Stuttgart on a four-year contract with the Bundesliga club . The Netherlands central defender was released Monday by Chelsea and arrived in Stuttgart 's training camp in Austria shortly before midnight after passing a medical exam in Stuttgart . The deal between Stuttgart and Chelsea was completed Tuesday . Details were not given . The Dutchman played for Hamburger SV for two seasons before going to Chelsea in 2006 . He was loaned to FC Sevilla last season . Boulahrouz 's departure came a day after 35-year-old former France international Claude Makelele signed a two-year deal with Paris-Saint Germain after joining from Chelsea on a free transfer .
Ghana international Michael Essien signs new five - year contract with Chelsea . Midfielder duo Petr ##ín and Wayne Bridge in agreeing long - term contracts . The 25-year - old has made 100 appearances since joining from Lyon in 2005 . Dutch defender Mohamed Boulahrouz leaves Chelsea for Stuttgart on 4-year deal .