The Ghanaian was reportedly close to signing with Melbourne Victory in a marquee role last August but the deal fell through, as did an apparent move to Thai side Muangthong United.

Essien, 34, has been without a club since leaving Panathinaikos in September last year and was also linked with a move to Croatia.

But the former Ghana midfielder, who won two Premier League titles and a Champions League at Chelsea, has ended up at Persib.

Essien will wear the number five jersey at Persib, where he has signed a one-year deal with the option for an extension.

The club announced the signing of the 58-time Ghana international on Tuesday.

Photos of the former Chelsea, AC Milan and Real Madrid midfielder were posted on Persib’s official Twitter account this afternoon.

Essien will join the Liga 1 side since leaving Greek side Panathinaikos last year and will team-up with former Brisbane Roar and Adelaide United striker Sergio van Dijk, who is a Holland-born Indonesian international.

Persib has also seen former A-League men Diogo Ferreira and Marcos Flores play for the club based in West Java.

Essien arrives in Asia after a fine European career, winning two Ligue 1 titles with Lyon prior to his move to Chelsea.

He spent just over seven seasons at Stamford Bridge and another on loan at Madrid before moving to AC Milan and later Greece.