AC Milan midfielder Michael Essien has denied "internet rumours" that he has contracted ebola.

The Daily Times Nigeria claimed to have had Essien's ill-health confirmed by Milan spokesman Riccardo Coli, but the 31-year-old has refuted the reports of him having caught the potentially-fatal virus.

Milan also moved quickly to dispel the rumours, posting the following statement on their website: "AC Milan categorically denies alleged news from abroad about its members. Such news, totally unfounded, however, have never been confirmed by any employee of our Company."

The Ghanaian international joined the Italian giants in January this year following a nine-year stint at Chelsea.