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          AC Milan, Ghana midfielder Michael Essien slams Ebola reports as "false"

          • Ben Gladwell, Italy correspondentOct 13, 2014, 04:57 AM ET

          Michael Essien and his club AC Milan have both categorically denied reports that the player has contracted Ebola.

          Reports had surfaced in Africa over the weekend claiming that the former Chelsea and Real Madrid midfielder had caught the virus.

          However, the Ghana international, who has appeared three times for the Rossoneri this season, was quick to dismiss the rumours with a tweet using the hashtag #falsenews.

          Not long after, his club published a statement on their website saying that they "categorically deny any presumed pieces of news from abroad about our players. Such reports, totally unfounded, have also never been confirmed by any members of our club."

          Reports emanating from Africa quoted Milan's press spokesman Riccardo Coli confirming that Essien had indeed caught the virus.

          These were also carried via Twitter, leading to Essien's denial and threat to sue.

          Rayo Vallecano attacker Lass Bangoura was asked to return to Spain amid concerns he could contract the virus on international duty for Guinea while former Birmingham City and Coventry City striker Dele Adebola also claimed on Twitter that he was not suffering from the illness.

          Meanwhile, the Moroccan government have requested to postpone next year's African Cup of Nations due to fears over the spread of Ebola.

          Essien said he will be in training as usual from Monday, preparing for Milan's trip to Hellas Verona on Sunday.