Born in Ghana, he began his career at Nantes before moving in 1992 to Marseille, where he won the European Cup the following year.

When he did the same for AC Milan the following year, he became the first man to win the trophy with different clubs in consecutive seasons.

Although he prefers to play at the back, he spent the majority of his four seasons at the San Siro operating as the holding player in midfield.

Since his move to Chelsea he has had to cope with his fair share of criticism, often being accused of saving his best performances for the European stage.

But his form in the closing months of the season knocked such rumours on the head and he remains one of the finest centre-backs on the world stage.

As comfortable on the ball as you would expect him to be after those years in midfield, he acts as a great motivator to those around him.

Just ask Frank Leboeuf what it is like feeling the full force of the man's temper if you ever make a mistake.