Essien, 34, signed a one-year deal with an option of another one year.

It is refreshing after having series of transfer talks broken down, after his contract with Panathinaikos in the Greek league was terminated.

Persib Bandung will be Michael Essien's first club outside Europe, having had deals in Australia and other non European nations fallen through in recent times.

The Black Stars midfielder has had stints with Bastia, Olympique Lyon, Real Madrid and AC Milan.