Michael Ballack handed new deal by defiant Chelsea

[SeanO 7]

Well I just found this so I thought I'd just post it: Link

Michael Ballack, a protagonist in the ugly scenes that marred Chelsea’s Champions League exit, has been rewarded with an extended contract while the club await Uefa sanctions over the affair, The Times can reveal.

In a further show of support for their under-fire players, the West London club made it clear yesterday that they did not plan to punish Didier Drogba for his verbal assault on Tom Henning Ovrebo, the Norwegian referee, after their controversial elimination by Barcelona on Wednesday.

Ballack, 32, the Germany captain, who is likely to be among the players cited by Uefa next week for haranguing Ovrebo, has agreed terms on a one-year extension to a deal that includes wages of £121,000 a week and will keep him at Stamford Bridge until the end of next season.

The initial three-year contract signed when he joined on a free transfer from Bayern Munich in 2006 expires this summer and both parties have agreed to trigger an extension clause, which will be announced imminently. Ballack had hoped to secure an additional two-year contract, but was told that no player will be offered more than a one-year extension until a new manager is appointed.

Ballack’s new contract ensures that he retains his position as one of the highest-paid players at the club, just behind John Terry and Frank Lampard but ahead of Drogba, which is known to be a source of discontent to the Ivory Coast striker. Drogba, 31, is seeking a four-year deal but the club are unwilling to meet his demands and a lengthy stand-off is likely. However, Guus Hiddink, the interim manager, insisted that Drogba’s behaviour would not affect his long-term future.

“I don’t think it’s an influence,” Hiddink said. “It’s up to me and the board, but I don’t think he will []. I think apologising openly is a big step forward. We have to go on.”

Chelsea are also facing a dilemma because Andriy Shevchenko is due to return in the summer after starting only two Serie A matches this season on loan to AC Milan. Chelsea have had no offers for the 32-year-old and have the option of sticking him in the reserves or paying up the remaining £7 million on his contract.

Edited May 8, 2009 by SeanO

[Term-X 7,891]

still cant believe hes never won the champions league, i hate to say it but he may never win it unless we get the luck we need in this competition

hes put in a some good performances though and fair doos to this extension.

[changingman2000 35]

Yep, I like Ballack and would be well pleased that he's staying.

[warnie_666 1,081]

Thats Crap. I dont beleive it.

[Shane 2,275]

Piss off, He's been shite this season.

[SeanO 7]

I like Ballack and maybe not give him a full time role but maybe give him a kind of role like Ryan Giggs has at Man you, just bring him on every so often when needed.

[warnie_666 1,081]

I like Ballack and maybe not give him a full time role but maybe give him a kind of role like Ryan Giggs has at Man you, just bring him on every so often when needed.

You mean keep him on bench and play him intermittently? on a salary of 125000 pounds per week? Thats insane.

I love Ballack, but for the sake of this club's future we need fresh blood in the midfeild.

Also, may be its the Ballack jinx thats rubbing off on the club and hence we arent winning the Champions League.

[Term-X 7,891]

Also, may be its the Ballack jinx thats rubbing off on the club and hence we arent winning the Champions League.

nah, if anything it's the fact he hasent won it which means hes due the trophy by now

lotta great players in the past have gone years until finally winning particular competitions.

[the wes 7,212]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/ma...ontract-Chelsea

What a stupid move ffs i am pissed off

[warnie_666 1,081]

May be the club wants to cash in on him....? :huh:

[SW_Blue 71]

Not a smart move. He's been terrific in the past but that's too big a price we'll end up paying for a player whose only getting slower. Not the perfect start for the "overhaul" we need this year.

[Elliott 7]

We can settle for Ballack for another year, it just grates that he's earning so much while doing it.

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Don't think he's been crap at all this season. Gives it his all in every match and has scored some pretty important goals for us over the last three seasons. Certainly been our most consistent player since Hiddink has come in, at least in my view. The defensive midfield role really suits his tenacious style of play.

[Alee. 182]

I like Ballack, he gives his 100 %, and you can see the DESIRE in him that you dont see in many players.. I think he deserves to win the CL with us next season =]

[diskoviolente 425]

What´s worse is that Shevchenko wants to come back....that really is a step in the wrong way

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Sheva can do the business though. Gives 100% every game, and shits on Kalou IMO.

Can't fault Ballack either. The way he chased the cunt/referee on Wednesday, I reckon he could do the 100m in less than 10 seconds

[TheStamfordBlues 0]

Perhaps he begged Chelsea to let him stay and have another crack at the UCL?

[EskWeston 696]

To be honest i would have rather we let him go this summer. I havn't been impressed with him this season, and he now doesn't justify the wages he is on, i would much rather a midfield of Mikel, Essien and Lampard every day..... we need to to freshen up our squad and the 30+ "big names" are what we need to be avoiding.