just saw this on goal and it really came as a surprise to me wouldnt have guessed in a million years that mikel was paid more than essien arent footballers supposed to be paid according to their abilities?
http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/84/africa/2011/06/21/2542151/manchester-citys-yaya-toure-listed-by-forbes-as-highest

Yes Essien play far ahead of mikel but don't forget this the 3rd time Essien is suffering a 6months layout due to injury. We have some players that are not paid when injured. He must be lucky to getting something.

essien signed for chelsea before mikel and renewed his contract before mikel. when mikel was renewing his contract, it was based on his contributions to the club and his potentials. essien for like 3 yrs now have been off and on and as such would not be enjoying bigger salary than the men on the pitch.
as a younger player whose contributions to the team was still needed, he had no option than to sign an improved contract extension.
since essien has not been consistent, there is no way he can be talking about salary increment from his sick bed.

Should Essien has being consistent i believe he would be around 180.

Should Essien has being consistent i believe he would be around 180.

@nyars15,
you are right. or even 500k. the concern of nigerians here is why mikel will earn more than essien. essien has now become the yardstick with which mikel will be paid. with all things being equal at the moment, let us learn to live by the terms which says, MIKEL EARNS MORE THAN ESSIEN.