Ballack planning long Blues stay

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The Germany captain's contract expires at the end of the season and Chelsea are expected to offer the 32-year-old an extension that incorporates a lower salary and bigger bonuses.

Ballack has a one-year option on his contract and is thought to prefer a two-year deal but the midfielder claims he is completely relaxed about his situation and said: "I am happy here, I feel very comfortable and very good."

He added: "My situation is that we will speak in the next few weeks and I think we will find a way.

"As I said, I am happy here and I hope I can play a few more years here."

Ballack's desire to remain at Stamford Bridge will be a welcome boost to coach Luiz Felipe Scolari.

The player's decision to reveal his plans comes after Scolari's assistant first-team coach, Ray Wilkins, had spoken of the club's ambition to keep him at Stamford Bridge.

Ballack played through the pain barrier against Ipswich on Saturday after collecting a knock in training, and Wilkins said: "I would have thought Michael would be in our plans for next season.

"He's a top-quality player and that's what the club have been bringing in."