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Michael Ballack
Michael Ballack is desperate to win the Premier League and Champions League with Chelsea this season

Ballack says Chelsea must win titles if he is to stay

Simon Johnson
29 Sep 2009


Michael Ballack has hinted that this could be his last season at Chelsea if the club don't secure any major silverware this term.

Ballack signed a new one-year deal in the summer which keeps him at the club until 2010 and is desperate to add some more winners' medals to his collection.

The 33-year-old has been at Chelsea since joining on a free transfer from Bayern Munich in 2006 but has just two FA Cups and one League Cup success to his name.

Ballack admits he has yet to decide where he will be playing next season and will wait to see how this campaign with Chelsea goes before making up his mind.

He said: "What is important for me is winning titles and that's why I also want to play in a team that is hungry for success.

"I signed an extension just recently and I hope that I will continue to be successful in the future.

"Any decisions I have in the future, though, will be made after due consideration and I will discuss everything with the club and with my family.

"At my age you think in shorter time frames and I am already playing for one of the best clubs in the world. I'm very much at home in London and I can imagine seeing out my career at Chelsea.

"It's very important for us this year to win the Premier League again after a three-year wait. We want to take England by storm but winning the Champions League is a big personal aim of mine."

Ballack won't be involved in their Champions League game at Apoel Nicosia tomorrow after being left behind in London to concentrate on getting fully match fit to play Liverpool on Sunday following a calf problem.

Fellow midfielder John Obi Mikel is facing a longer spell on the sidelines after picking up an ankle injury against Wigan.

Meanwhile, Chelsea have confirmed they are not appealing against Petr Cech's red card against Wigan and he will definitely miss the Liverpool game.

Reader views (9)

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Goodbye, Ballack.

- Ted, London, 30/09/2009 08:05
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Classic Germanic arrogance.
Greed and ignorance in one tasteless human package.

- Tango Mike, Kensington, London, 29/09/2009 22:25
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although i have always been a big fan of ballack's, he does blow hot and cold and i agree , he really needs to demonstrate his desire to win- he has improved recently and lets hope he continues. i feel he should take a leading role with the ball and attack the opponents with more agression- he has the build, height and talent!

- Shafique Motani, toronto, canada, 29/09/2009 21:45
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Os,the King,turn in your grave at this overrated waster.

- Jimfred, London UK, 29/09/2009 18:28
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Next season he could be sponsored by Saga!

- John Jones, Westminster, 29/09/2009 17:14
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Like all good Chealski players show me the money, dose this make them honest or mercenary?

- Colin Stevens, USA, 29/09/2009 16:33
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Goodbye Ballack. Your only committed to the money not the team

- Malc, London,England, 29/09/2009 14:15
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Ballack should even pack his things and leave now cos he's the greatest pensioner not only on Abramovich's payroll but in world football. By the way, how many major silverware did he win throughout his playing career in Germany. I think he should be sold off to Notts County FC for £1.99 as Mr Erikson would be very glad and excited to have him.

- Oyebisi, London, 29/09/2009 13:52
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Then pull your finger out and start playing like you want to win!

- Goggs, London, 29/09/2009 13:31
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