Ballack Feared Career End

[TrueChelseaBlue 105]

Michael Ballack has told how he feared his career was over as a result of his recent injury nightmare.

The German international picked up an ankle injury in a Premier League game against Newcastle in April and has not played since.

He was subsequently left out of Chelsea's initial UEFA Champions League squad, after undergoing two operations to try and cure the problem and he has now revealed how he feared that he may never play again.

Complicated

"I had thousands of questions, but I was never given any answers," the midfielder told Die Zeit.

"I'm sure I got on everyone's nerves, but my injury was in my thoughts 24 hours a day.

"Sometimes I thought: You are 31 and have had 14 good years as a professional, maybe it's time to call it a day.

"I thought at first that it was a question of three or four weeks, but then everything started to get complicated.

"First one operation, then another and none of the doctors wanted to tell me when I would be able to play again."

Motivated

Finally back to full fitness, Ballack is in the Chelsea squad for Wednesday's Carling Cup quarter-final against Liverpool and is looking forward to re-establishing himself both domestically and at international level.

"I have enough time to be in top form for June (for Euro 2008)," he told Sport Bild.

"After this injury problem, I'm particularly motivated for the 2010 World Cup finals. After that I will wait and see if I can play a year or two more."

Source: Sky Sports

Edited December 19, 2007 by TrueChelseaBlue

[bombayblue™ 55]

if he motivated for euro, it'll reflect in his performances for Chelsea..

[Aesthetic Relic 301]

I hope he can get his finger out and start showing us the player we thought we signed.

[BlueLion. 21,491]

He wasn't that bad last season, it was just his return to the team was less than the high expectation of the fans. I think he will be a better player this term.

[misschief 24]

I hope he can get his finger out

Is that why he he was crap last season?

Expected a lot more from him last season and he didnt deliver. Got a feeling he'll be more up for it now...........mind you I think I said that about Sheva as well.

[Steve 10,227]

i think he can prove himself, we just need to get him and frankie to work well togeather and then i think we will have a domionate midfield

[Ollie 4,400]

he looked very good when he came on today i think. Looked confident and happy to get back. I know it was only a brief spell on the pitch but he looked decent.

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Looked decent against decent opposition. Few nice passes and he seemed comfortable on the ball. Good flick for Shevchenko's goal.

[misschief 24]

Looked good to me tonight, glad to have him back.

[TrueChelseaBlue 105]

good night for him.. nice passes... nice movement.. very confident.. wasnt afraid to go forward... great sign

[Bandicoot 3]

I thought he played well for the 20mins or so he was on, good to have him back.

[Aesthetic Relic 301]

So far so good. I dont wanna tempt fate, so I'll stop

[TrueChelseaBlue 105]

too right

[TrueChelseaBlue 105]

lol sheva seems to be doin aload better and all

[Bandicoot 3]

Sheva is definitely getting better by the game

[TrueChelseaBlue 105]

indeed.. lets just hope he keeps it up.. or doesn't get injured.. i reckon, this is the season where he'll shine.. 5 goals this season in all comps... not bad tbh

[Bandicoot 3]

His workrate has improved a lot recently, and he is hopefully going to get a prolonged run in the starting eleven.

[TrueChelseaBlue 105]

yeah hes been working a hell of alot harder.. and if that run pays off.. and he has more confidence in himself...who knows what'll happen