Michael Ballack

[TomCFC 356]

Powerful Midfielder Michael Ballack signed for Chelsea during the summer of 2006 by José Mourinho on a Bosman Transfer. Along with Essien and Lampard, Ballack was one part of a Midfield trio that bullied opponents with brute force and unrelenting work ethic. Ballack was known for his goals and attacking prowess in Germany but gave up that aspect of his game to give stability to the Midfield and allow Frank Lampard to venture foward and net his usual 20 goal haul. Ballack picked an impresive five trophies during his four years at Stamford. One League Cup (06-07), three FA Cups (06-07, 08-09, 09-10) and one Premier League (09-10).Ballack continued his unfortunate reputation of being a nearly man when Chelsea lost the 07-08 Champions League final to Manchester United. This was the second time Ballack had lost a Champions League Final; the first being with Bayer Leverkusen in 01-02.

After Chelsea

Ballack's dream of retiring at Chelsea was denied when he was refused a contract extension after his leg was broken during the 09-10 FA Cup final caused by a Kevin Prince-Boateng tackle. This poorly timed leg break made the Germany Captian miss the 2010 World Cup. The German Captaincy was handed to Bayern München Captain Philipp Lahm. This didn't sit will with Ballack and to this day he is certain that he still the rightful Captain of Germany.

Ballack departed Chelsea on the 9th June 2010 and on the 25th June 2010 he signed for Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen. Ballack had previously played for Leverkusen for three seasons and had scored 38 times for them.

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[zolayes 14,489]

He's retiring from international football and will play one more game to get his 99th cap.

Legend.

deserves to be allowed to get 100

[Corazón De León 58]

Yeah, I think so too. He should get 100! Ballack is a legend!!! I've loved watching him play, for both Chelsea and Germany!

[chrismada9 1,948]

99 caps after his final game?? That's harsh! At least let him get his 100th cap before he retires!!

[irishblue 128]

According to German tabloid Bild, Ballack has declined to play that farewell game.

[LDN Blue 7,903]

Much like the whole Beckham incident.

Ballack & Lowe haven't got on well since Ballack thought he could reclaim his place post-World Cup. Much like Beckham with England (though, to a lesser extent). However with both teams heading towards a youth direction, such legends of the game are now being frozen out. Beckham & Ballack refused their "farewell" games & continue to make themselves available.

But the likes of Wilshere & Carroll to shame really..

[Madmax 9,219]

The best of Bally before his Chelsea days ...

[zolayes 14,489]

According to German tabloid Bild, Ballack has declined to play that farewell game.

don't blame him to retire him on 99 would be a terrible insult to one of their ALL time greats

[Kieran. 6,317]

My favorite Ballack goal! Sent us to the FA Cup final vs. ManU!

[TopDrog 119]

One Word...Legend!

The one football player I'd love to be if I could. His style of play, grace and the way he carried himself off and on the pitch. Still remember him getting injured by boateng in that fa cup semi meaning that he missed the final and the world cup that year, summed up his career really!

[TopDrog 119]

If only we had a young ballack to take the reiigns from lampard. If only...

[Madmax 9,219]

Haha I remember calling him a Chelsea legend on here a few days after I'd joined last year and I got a lot of flak for it. Bally is a simply superb footballer and a great man off the pitch as well. I hate that in a career as stellar as his, he hasn't won more. So unlucky to finish not one but two seasons as runner-up in 3 trophies each. Also wish he'd gotten 100 caps with Germany.

Hopefully he'll be fit and available for the CL games especially the one at the Bridge. Deserves a massive reception and a standing ovation from the fans for what he brought to the club. You can see he still loves Chelsea, he's got nothing put good things to say about us. Maybe, just maybe, I wouldn't begrudge him a goal either.

[francozola 2,040]

I still despise the way our board treated him

[Cosmin 2,484]

I miss Ballack too. I remember his penalty kick goal against Werder Bremen at the Bridge. Amazing.

He's coming back, I hope the crowd will give him a well deserved standing ovation.

[Madmax 9,219]

I still despise the way our board treated him

I can understand though, he was on something like £130,000 a week.

[francozola 2,040]

I can understand though, he was on something like £130,000 a week.

Wasn't he willing to take a pay cut? Down to 70k or something like that?

[Steve 10,227]

[Madmax 9,219]

Wasn't he willing to take a pay cut? Down to 70k or something like that?

Some sources reported that, yes. Not sure on the figure though.