Michael Essien has admitted that it would be "a great achievement" if he could secure the Champions League for the second successive season.

The 31-year-old won the European Cup with Chelsea last season, but joined Real Madrid on loan in the summer in order to link up with Jose Mourinho once more.

"When I returned to Chelsea I never imagined that this could happen, but football is full of surprises. It's no secret that Jose Mourinho has had a huge influence on my career since I arrived in England," he told Marca.

"So when he showed an interest in bringing me to Madrid I did not hesitate at all. One minute I was preparing to play in the Super Cup in Monaco and the next I was packing to travel to Madrid.

"It would be a great achievement for the club and for city, and it would also be great, at a personal level, to win two consecutive Champions Leagues."

Essien has made four appearances for Madrid this season.