Ex-Chelsea star Michael Essien posts touching tribute to late ‘secret admirer’ Gerard Houllier

Gerard Houllier is deadGhana legend Michael Essien has paid glowing tribute to former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier who died on Monday at the age of 73.Essien never got to play under the Frenchman but recounts attempts he made to get him to Anfield.When Houllier arrived at Olympique Lyon, Chelsea tabled an irresistible fee to sign the midfield icon.On his Instagram page, Essien wrote: ”This world was never meant for one as beautiful as you Monsieur Gerard Houllier. We have lost a legend and a great personal friend and a mentor.”I remember when you made an attempt to sign me @liverpool in my early days @bastia but that didnt work out and when you finally joined @lyon we were both happy that we have finally gotten the chance to work together but again that didnt workout because @chelsea came calling for me.”Despite the fact that both of us wanted to work together, I will never forget the big role you played in my departure to @chelsea because you knew my desire to play in the premiership at that time.”My deepest condolences to your family and friends. RIP Monsieur Gerard Houllier. I will miss you .”Houllier managed Liverpool from 1998-2004 and led them to five major trophies, including the FA Cup, League Cup and Uefa Cup treble in 2000-01.He also managed Lens, Paris St-Germain and the French national team, and after leaving the Reds won two Ligue 1 titles at Lyon.His last managerial job was at Aston Villa, but he left in 2011 after nine months, following heart problems.