Ballack reflects on Chelsea, Bayer, Germany

[Madmax 9,219]

I would have loved to finish my career at Chelsea, one of the top clubs in the Premier League and in Europe and I admit they were my number one option when my contract expired last summer.

I know I had the backing of the coach, but unfortunately it didn't happen and I had move on to my next challenge with Leverkusen. I don't feel any bitterness towards Chelsea and I hope they keep on winning. Ancelotti is an excellent organiser, they have the footballing ability, character and physical strength. I see them as one of the favourites for the Champions League in 2011.

I started regularly and I'm proud of the part I played in our Double. As a foreigner in English football, it was even more satisfying.

It's a special club where I spent four great years. We won many trophies in my time there, with the fantastic league and cup Double last season, two other FA Cup victories (2007, 2009) and the League Cup (2007) giving me great memories. Right from the moment I signed in 2006, I was treated very well by the people at the club and there was always a great spirit in the squad. We had many champions in the team, six or seven national team captains, and yet our biggest asset was unity, with all these top class players putting egos in their pockets for the good of the team. It's pretty unique in my opinion.

Full interview here.

Farewell and the best of luck to a genuine Chelsea legend.

[gary gordon 1,777]

Ballack is the epitome of a true champion. A great competitor who is very passionate and hungry.. I will truly miss him and never forget him..

[zolayes 14,489]

how to leave with class and ensure your reputation is enhanced ...read and learn joe cole

[EskWeston 696]

how to leave with class and ensure your reputation is enhanced ...read and learn joe cole

Couldn't have put it better. Nice to see someone leave with the right attitude.

[Peace. 4,352]

Good interview.

Ballack is a great footballer and a great Man.

He shows respect toward Chelsea and us the fans. Thanks to him.

how to leave with class and ensure your reputation is enhanced ...read and learn joe cole

+1

[Steve 10,227]

Thankyou for all your hard work Michael. You will be missed by a lot of Chelsea Fans. At least you leave us as a true champion and will always be respected!

[Shane 2,275]

Full interview here.

Farewell and the best of luck to a genuine Chelsea legend.

Legend gets thrown around too much nowadays, No way is he a Chelsea legend.

[BlueLion. 21,491]

I don't think if he quite achieved legend status but a fabulous servant to the club and a genuine footballing superstar. He achieved as much for this club off the field as he on it - his shirt made is millions, he was a fantastic signing from a marketing point of view. But his contribution was usually faultless, a genuine and honest footballer whose experience and versatility will be missed.

[Madmax 9,219]

Legend gets thrown around too much nowadays, No way is he a Chelsea legend.

Only German to win the English Double. Legend.

[Aria 19]

He's truly loved over here in Germany - so I'm more than happy he's found these nice words for the greatest club of all time

His attitude and experience will be missed... always a great player, so unlucky he didn't win the Champions League...

[Shane 2,275]

Only German to win the English Double. Legend.

That doesn't make him a Chelsea legend.

[Madmax 9,219]

That doesn't make him a Chelsea legend.

He won it with us. Always committed on the pitch, brought experience and leadership to the squad. Respect for the club and fans. Better than some of the so-called childhood supporters who didn't give a fuck about putting on a Red jersey for 10000 more.

[BRMC 12]

That was a nice way to say good bye, good interview. I`ll miss his penaltys the most i`ve never felt so confident about a penalty as i do when he stands over one.

[chrismada9 1,948]

Ballack is an amazing player, and an amazing personality, unlike Joe Cole, who fucked off to Liverpool without a trace, told media he had just joined the best club in the country and then got a red card on his debut.

I'd love to see Ballack return to the club one day, maybe as a coach! He is always welcome back at Chelsea. Good luck at Bayer Ballack!

[zolayes 14,489]

the last league match ...he gave the team talk on the pitch at half time ...sorting out drogs tantrum ...

a true leader ,,true professional ...if you cant think of him as a legend then show some respect and appreciation for what he gave us ..

[NoFear 23]

He won it with us. Always committed on the pitch, brought experience and leadership to the squad. Respect for the club and fans. Better than some of the so-called childhood supporters who didn't give a fuck about putting on a Red jersey for 10000 more.

Well said !! I dont know why Joey has even failed to acknowledge the fans... No one was supported and cheered from the stands as much as him and yet, for some gripe he had towards the board for not giving an improved contract - he fails to acknowledge the 7 yrs he spent here !! A real lack of class...

Ballack on the other hand acknowledges the fact that the manager wanted him to stay but it was more of a board decision not to give him a new contract... A genuine superstar of world football.. Maybe not a legend considering he spent only 4 yrs with us but he has definitely done more in those yrs than what Joe did in 7 !!!

[Milan 17,835]

He was really happy at Chelsea and that's good to know. He wanted to stay but it was really time to move on, for both sides.

Best of luck in the future Bally!

[eldo 868]

He won it with us. Always committed on the pitch, brought experience and leadership to the squad. Respect for the club and fans. Better than some of the so-called childhood supporters who didn't give a fuck about putting on a Red jersey for 10000 more.

Oh come on. Ballack played well in Chelsea shirt. But honestly would you expect anything else from experienced 30yo? It would be a shame if he hasn't played well. Respected player but not Legend.