Michael Essien praying showdown doesn't go to shoot-out

Michael Essien will not take a penalty in a shoot-out in Moscow - because the last time he did his mum ended up in hospital.

The Chelsea midfielder missed a spot kick when at Lyon and has not attempted one since as it left his mother Aba so traumatised.

She was rushed for treatment for a suspected heart attack and Essien fears she would not be able to stand a dramatic repeat.

Aba will not be in Moscow for the Champions League Final against Manchester United having applied for a visa too late but admits even watching it on TV would have her worried.

Essien said: "I stopped taking penalties because I missed one when I was in France and it sent my mum to hospital.

"I wish my mum could come but it's too late now. But she will be supporting me from home."

Essien admits it will be the biggest game of his career - but insists it does not hold any fears for him. Chelsea missed out to United in the battle for the Premier League title but Essien is convinced that failure will not overshadow their preparations for the Champions League final and it may even spur them on as they are desperate not to finish the season empty handed.

"It's the biggest game of my career," said Essien. "We will see what happens, but to win it will make me very happy.

"We have the confidence in the side and the players to do the job. It's up to us to perform.

"We lost the title on the last day and it's not going to affect us. This game is a different game altogether.

"It's the first time it's been an all-English final so it's going to be a good game. I'm looking forward to it.

"The whole world will be watching. It's going to be a really exciting game.

"It's going to be upsetting if we don't win something this year because we have come a long way. We've never given up and have shown what we can do.

"It was unfortunate to lose the title to Manchester United but they did really well and I think they deserved to win it.

"But the Champions League is the trophy the club needs because we've never won it before."

Essien grew up as a United fan and says the 1999 final will live long in his memory.

But despite having idolised Roy Keane, Essien says joining Chelsea ahead of United was still a great career move.

He added: "I watched in 1999 when Manchester United beat Bayern Munich. I was in Ghana with the under-17 national team and watched the game.

"It was unbelievable. One goal down in the last minute and to score two goals and win it.

"I supported them as a kid and I used to like Roy Keane a lot. I met him when I went there for a trial.

"But I have no regrets at all. I managed to come here and play in the Premiership so I was really happy when Chelsea came in for me.

"I'm really happy at here and enjoying my football. I hope to stay here longer."