Ballack ready to seize Chelsea chance

Germany captain Michael Ballack believes this summer will be his “last chance to make the step and play abroad” after revealing he is in talks with Chelsea.

The 29-year-old midfielder will leave Bayern Munich when his contract expires in the summer.

He has rejected the Bavarian club’s offer of a new contract and has long been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge and after confirming he is in “serious negotiations” with the Blues, he said: “I have always wanted to play abroad.

“At 29 years old, this is my last chance to make the step and play abroad.

“Chelsea are a top club which are very strong in the English league and they have played some very, very good matches internationally.”

Ballack earlier said: “I am in serious negotiations with Chelsea. Nothing is signed as yet but I know what I want.”

According to reports in his homeland, Ballack has spoken directly to Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho.

He added: “We’ve talked. You can assume that I had a good feeling during that conversation.”

Earlier today Bayern general manager Uli Hoeness admitted the Bundesliga leaders had given up hope of retaining the services of Ballack.

“From our point of view, it is clear he will leave the club so there are no more efforts to keep him,” he said.

“It is a professional situation. His contract is finished so it is up to him to decide.”

Hoeness has come under fire from Ballack’s agent Michael Becker for claiming the midfielder is only leaving Bayern for financial reasons.

Becker claims Ballack is making a “sports-related decision” but Hoeness has maintained his stance today.

“I have not criticised Michael Ballack but only made an observation,” he added.

“I am not at all disappointed in him or his behaviour. That is totally normal.

“It is totally wrong to describe us as being angry or anything like that. It is totally the opposite.

“He did wonderfully here and now it is time to get a new club and maybe get more money.

“People who know me will understand that I don’t think it’s a problem what I said. You need to stay with the facts.”

For his part, Ballack insists the decision to leave Bayern was a difficult one.

“I have thought about it for a long time,” he said.