A prominent former Premier League footballer found himself entangled in an alleged love triangle. Former Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien was reportedly involved with two glamour models. One of the women, Cassie Sumner, previously had a widely reported encounter with Prince Harry. This complex personal narrative unfolded amidst Essien’s highly successful football career.

Michael Essien, now 42, enjoyed a glittering career at Stamford Bridge. He joined Chelsea in 2005 for a then-club record £24 million. Under manager Jose Mourinho, he immediately won the Premier League. Essien also secured another league title in 2010. He lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy in 2012. His honours also include three FA Cups and a League Cup.

Beyond the pitch, Essien’s private life often drew media attention. His alleged dalliance with Cassie Sumner became a significant story. Sumner herself was already a familiar figure in the British media. She gained initial prominence through her reported association with Prince Harry.

Cassie Sumner had established a profile as a Page 3 model. She also featured in various men’s magazines like FHM, Loaded, Zoo, and Nuts. Later, she appeared in Playboy and Penthouse, further boosting her public recognition. Sumner also participated in the ITV reality series “WAGs Boutique.”

Her claims about an encounter with Prince Harry in 2004 first made national headlines. Sumner reportedly partied with the then 19-year-old royal. The event occurred at London’s Chinawhite nightclub. Fellow Page 3 model Lauren Pope was also present.

Reports from the Sunday People in 2004 detailed the alleged interactions. Prince Harry was reportedly seen kissing and cuddling with both women. He was said to have consumed “Sex On The Beach” cocktails. These events reportedly followed earlier interactions with Lauren Pope.

Sumner recounted her experience, stating Prince Harry invited them to his private table. She claimed the young prince nuzzled her earlobes. She also described running her fingers through his hair. Sumner reported Harry invited her to continue partying elsewhere.

“He was undressing me with his eyes,” Sumner explained at the time. She acknowledged Harry had been “snogging Lauren earlier.” However, she claimed he then focused solely on her. “He seemed fascinated with my breasts,” she added.

Sumner further elaborated in an interview with The Mirror. She stated Harry made eye contact at the bar. He then invited her to join his private table. “Lauren had left so I thought, ‘what the hell’,” she recalled.

She admitted not finding Harry particularly attractive, preferring “more muscles on a man.” Yet, she described him as “a lovely lad.” Sumner believed he was simply “enjoying a normal night out.” This portrayal aimed to normalise the royal’s behaviour.

Cassie Sumner later commenced a relationship with Michael Essien. Their romance reportedly began stormily. Another glamour model, Lurata Murati, subsequently came forward with counter-claims. Murati asserted Essien had cheated on her with Sumner.

Lurata Murati stated she was in a seven-month relationship with Essien. She expressed anger and frustration about the alleged infidelity. “He’s a lying, cheating b,” Murati reportedly stormed. She felt he treated women “with contempt.”

Murati recalled questioning Essien about Sumner. She claimed he dismissed her concerns as “rubbish.” He allegedly laughed down the phone, trivialising the matter. “I can’t believe I’ve been sleeping with this man,” she told the press.

Murati, a six-foot blonde personal trainer, described Essien’s courtship. He reportedly wooed her with champagne in nightclubs. She claimed he admired her 34E bust and corsets. Their encounters occurred at her flat, never his Surrey mansion.

Lurata Murati met Essien at a Knightsbridge restaurant, she revealed. She also shared “hot texts” exchanged between them. The relationship ended when she confronted him about Cassie Sumner. Essien allegedly gave Sumner lavish gifts, including a BMW.

The Mirror reported Sumner “virtually moved into his Surrey home.” This was the same mansion Murati claimed she was never invited to. Murati expressed relief at discovering the alleged other woman. She believed Essien had been dating Sumner for months.

She stated this prevented Essien from “stringing me along for ages.” When a Mirror reporter questioned Essien, he reportedly offered a brief denial. “What are you talking about? No. Sorry,” he said before hanging up.

Cassie Sumner also offered her own critical assessment of Essien. She previously dated comedian and actor Russell Brand. Sumner described her 17-month relationship with Essien in her book, “Cassie Sumner: Loving it.”

She claimed Essien “broke her heart.” She alleged he later denied they had ever been a couple. “It’s ludicrous,” Sumner countered. “He welcomed me into his life and his bed.” She added that sex with him “wasn’t fantastic.”

Sumner told OK! magazine she vowed never to date another footballer. “It took me two and a half years before I dated one again,” she confessed. However, this resolution proved temporary.

She is now happily married to former Southampton star Jose Fonte. They met in 2009 when Fonte played for Crystal Palace. The couple have since had two children. Sumner credits Fonte as “different from other footballers.”

“He’s actually a nice guy!” she enthused. She was notably pictured on the pitch with Fonte and the Euro 2016 trophy. Portugal triumphed in the tournament, with Fonte playing a key role.

Fonte’s career continued after Southampton. He played for West Ham and captained Lille to a Ligue 1 title in 2021. He currently captains Casa Pia in Portugal’s Primeira Liga. He resides there with Sumner and their family.

Meanwhile, Michael Essien’s playing career continued after Real Madrid. He had a short spell at AC Milan. An injury-laden period followed with Greek side Panathinaikos. He later moved to Indonesian club Persib Bandung.

Essien also played for Sabail FK in the Azerbaijan Premier League. He has since transitioned into coaching. Essien is currently a coach for Danish Superliga club Nordsjaelland.

This intricate web of personal relationships unfolded alongside professional triumphs. The lives of these public figures intersected in ways that captivated the British press. Their stories highlight the constant scrutiny faced by sports and media personalities.

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Keywords: Michael Essien, Cassie Sumner, Essien love triangle, Prince Harry, Premier League footballer, Chelsea midfielder, Page 3 model, Chinawhite nightclub