AC Milan midfielder Michael Essien has called for the team to stick together during what has so far been a testing season.

The former Chelsea midfielder was signed last month, as the Rossoneri currently sit 11th in Serie A.

Speaking to the club's official TV station after their 3-1 defeat to Napoli, Essien said: "I'm very happy to have played 90 minutes against Napoli.

"I hadn't played a full match for a long time, but unfortunately the result wasn't positive. We have to keep on playing together and then things will only get better.

"This is a very difficult season for Milan, but we have to stay united. We all have to give a little bit extra and help each other out. We are Milan and we have to do better."

The defeat to Rafael Benitez's side was Essien's Milan debut.