Michael Essien, who has been linked with a move away from Lyon in the summer, has admitted he would relish a move to England.

The Ghanaian midfielder has been linked with Manchester United, although the French outfit are adamant that he will stay for another year at least.

Essien played for Lyon at Old Trafford in the Champions League earlier this season.

“It was wonderful to play at Old Trafford,” Essien told Four Four Two magazine.

“They are one of the biggest clubs in Europe so of course I was happy to play there, but no, I wasn’t think about my future during the game.

“I get on the pitch and only think about football.

“In England the game is based on physical strength and that’s what I like.

“I think I can adapt well, I think I have the qualities to play there and I already speak the language.

“It will be easier for me than when I arrived in France.

“I’ll be happy in England.”

Sir Alex Ferguson had Essien on trial in 2000 with a view to sending him to feeder club Royal Antwerp, but the midfielder admitted that at the time, he was quite not ready for the pace of the Premiership.

“It was a good trial,” Essien continued.

“I think I did well, I don’t think I had the level to play there at the time but Sir Alex Ferguson said I had played well.

“I liked him, he’s a very good coach.”