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Michael Essien does not have Ebola despite Twitter rumours

Former Chelsea midfielder denies he has the deadly virus

Tom Sheen
Monday 13 October 2014 07:53 BST
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(Getty Images)

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Former Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien was caught in the middle of a hoax that claimed he had the deadly Ebola virus.

Rumours emerged on Sunday night that the Ghana and AC Milan midfielder had contracted Ebola while on international duty.

Reports originating from West Africa and Twitter began to emerge, with one source even using quotes from a 'spokesman' of the Italian club.

Riccardo Colli - who does work for the club - is reported to have said: "It has come to a big shock to everyone involved with the club but we are optimistic for Essien.

"He is a very strong person and the Ebola has been caught in the early stages. He’s in experts hands so he should be fine."

However the hoax was soon debunked when Essien himself took to Twitter to deny the rumours."

He posted "No truth in internet rumours that I have contracted Ebola.i m very well & I'm doing very gud & will be training as usual tomorrow. #falsenews"

Essien then posted a picture on his Instagram account happy and smiling

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