Kenyon delighted with Essien deal

Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon is delighted at Michael Essien's decision to pledge his long-term future to Chelsea.

Essien signed a new five-year deal on Monday which will keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2012 and gives the club renewed hope of persuading captain John Terry and England midfielder Frank Lampard to follow suit.

Kenyon added: "It is great to have somebody like Michael, who has already made a huge contribution, commit for another five years. He is recognised as one of the new gems to have joined the Premiership."

He added: "He is a big star back in Ghana and is a key man in Chelsea as well."

Negotiations with Terry are reported to have collapsed over the length of the deal and his pay demands while Lampard is understood to want his situation sorted out sooner rather than later.

While speculation continues over the future of both players, Mourinho has distanced himself from renewed links with a move to Real Madrid.

Mourinho admitted he would love to join the Spanish giants - but only after his Chelsea contract has ended.

"Every coach would like to do it," Mourinho said. "It would be an honour to work in a club like Real Madrid.

"I don't say no for the future. I say clearly no until 2010 because I have a contract with Chelsea. I want to stay at Chelsea, I am in love with Chelsea, I am in love with English football."