Michael Ballack extends Chelsea stay until World Cup

02 June 2009 17:19
Ballack, 32, moved to west London three years ago from Bayern Munich on a free transfer after the World Cup in his own country.[LNB]The German international would have been able to leave Chelsea on another free transfer this summer but instead has committed himself to the club for another 12 months.[LNB] Related ArticlesAncelotti will be a hit, says GerrardAncelotti: I call the shotsKaka: I'm staying at MilanChelseas Micheal Ballack agrees new contract extensionChelseas top 10 summer transfer targetsCristiano Ronaldo set to stay at Manchester United as Real Madrid eye Franck RiberyHe said: "I am very happy to be staying at Chelsea for one more year as it was always my intention to play in London at least until the World Cup in 2010. We had a fantastic end to the season winning the FA Cup and we are all looking forward to taking this success into the new season under Carlo Ancelotti, our new manager."[LNB]A Chelsea statement said: "Michael has been a key member of our team for three years so we are naturally very happy that we have agreed the extension."[LNB]Speaking after Chelsea's FA Cup final victory over Everton last weekend Ballack said he was confident the club is able to catch Manchester United and reclaim the Premier League title they won twice under former manager Jose Mourinho.[LNB]He said: "We know what we can do and that we have a strong squad.[LNB]"This year we lost too many points at home and we need that consistency. I am sure we are at the same level.[LNB]"You can see that in our performances, especially in European games. We went to the final last year and this year we had one foot in the final and we were really unlucky to go out, so you can't say the club is going in the wrong direction." [LNB] 

Source: Telegraph