President J. A. Kufuor has paid a visit to the injured Black Stars midfielder, Michael Essien, at his residence on the outskirts of London to wish him a speedy recovery.

Essien, also a key player of Chelsea, underwent surgery in France recently following an injury he sustained during a World Cup qualifying match between Ghana and Libya.

He was carried off the field after he had received a knock on his knee from a Libyan defender and could not return to the game.

He is recuperating well and is expected to be off the field for some time.

Looking calm and relaxed, Essien expressed his appreciation for the visit and thanked the President for having had the time to pay him a visit, saying the visit had greatly inspired him.

He said the injury was an accident which should be seen as part of the occupational hazards footballers were- exposed to and gave the assurance that he would be ready to serve his nation after his recovery.

Essien's vital services will be missed in the crucial qualifying match between Ghana and Lesotho but the Black Star supremo asked his mates never to be daunted by his absence.

He was optimistic that Ghana would qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, saying that success would certainly crown the efforts of the national team during its home match against Lesotho.

He presented a replica Chelsea number five jersey bearing the name ESSIEN to the President in appreciation of his concern and care.

President Kufuor said Essien's injury should not deter him from serving his country after he had recovered.

He also used the occasion to ask other Ghanaian players abroad to always be prepared to serve Mother Ghana.

He said apart from using their invitation to play for the Black Stars as a means to serve their country, such invitations could earn them respect among their peers abroad and add value to the service.