Michael Essien watches first American Football in the company of Ashley Cole

Essien was in the stands to witness the game between New York Jets and the Carolina Panthers at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

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The former Chelsea midfielder was thrilled by the energy and skill exhibited in the game, which saw the Panthers winning 35-27 extending their record to 8 wins and three losses for the season.

The 35-year-old former midfield dynamo after watching the most popular game in America to England and watched Chelsea while preparing for their game against Liverpool.

Michael Essien currently plys his trade in Indonesia with Persib Bandung.