Michael Ballack today revealed he wants to stay at Chelsea for the rest of his career.

The German international has been linked with a move away from the Blues almost since he joined on a free transfer from Bayern Munich in 2006.

Ballack reportedly fell out with the club last season because he had an ankle operation without their knowledge and has also appeared upset when substituted in recent weeks.

But he insists he loves playing for Chelsea and is hoping to remain at Stamford Bridge, where he is reported to earn £130,000 a week, until he retires.

When asked if he will ever move clubs again, he said: "That isn't part of the plan. I'm playing for an absolute top European club.

"There are more exceptional players here than in Munich and it's a constant fight for positions.

"I have never regretted moving to Chelsea - it's exactly what I wanted. You only develop if you have good players next to you and when every game is a challenge.

"When I was with Bayern Munich I won the Double three times in four years, and then we were often eliminated early on in the Champions League. I wasn't excited anymore about winning the German championship yet again. I was looking for a new challenge."

The 31-year old feels he has reached his best physical condition of the season just as Chelsea fight for the Premier and Champions League having feared his ankle injury may have ended his career.

Ballack sustained the problem against Newcastle last April and it took him eight months to recover - a period which Ballack admits was very difficult.

"When you're injured you live on the sidelines. You don't train, travel or play with the team. The longer it lasts, the more difficult it is to remain accepted.

"I didn't play for half a year, because of my ankle injury, which is why this season doesn't feel drawn-out to me. I feel fit and I'm highly motivated."