Michael Ballack

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Germany captain signed on a free transfer from Bayern Munich in May 2006. A strong, technical midfielder with a superb engine and a lethal shot, Ballack scores plenty of goals - he managed 44 in 107 league appearances for Bayern in winning three Bundesliga titles in his four years at the club. Won the league in his first season with Kaiserslautern in 1998, before rising to prominence at Bayer Leverkusen, for whom he played a starring role in their run to the 2002 Champions League final. Crowned German Player of the Year in 2002, 2003 and 2005. Played for his country at the 2002 World Cup finals, but missed out on the final after picking up a yellow card in the semi-final. Also suffered heartache in the last four of the 2006 tournament in his homeland, with Germany losing in extra-time to Italy.

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Germany coach Joachim Low has confirmed that Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack will remain captain of the national team. It had been thought the 32-year-old would be stripped of the captain's armband after he criticised the coach's treatment of Torsten Frings and Kevin Kuranyi. Ballack later apologised for his comments and a meeting between the two men appears to have resulted in harmony... [more»]

Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has waded into Michael Ballack's row after warning international coach Joachim Low that his injured midfielder will not be travelling back to Germany for talks. Low has demanded face-to-face talks with his skipper after Ballack was quoted by the German media criticising his lack of respect for senior players in his squad. Ballack endorsed Torsten Frings'... [more»]

Chelsea have confirmed that midfielder Michael Ballack has undergone surgery on his right foot and will be out of action for at least a fortnight. The 32-year-old went under the knife after suffering with a nerve problem while on international duty with Germany, with initial reports suggesting that Ballack had needed treatment on both feet. However, Blues club doctor Bryan English later... [more»]

Michael Ballack has questioned Robinho's decision to sign for Manchester City ahead of joining him at Chelsea. The Brazil forward opted to seal a £33milliom British record transfer move to the City of Manchester Stadium on deadline day despite being expected to join Chelsea during a summer of speculation. Robinho reportedly received a more lucrative offer to join a club who have recently been... [more»]

Germany international Michael Ballack should be able to return to action for Chelsea in Tuesday's Champions League game against Bordeaux after being sidelined for the last three weeks with a foot injury. The 31-year-old midfielder has only featured in two games so far this season - the last being the narrow 1-0 victory at Wigan Athletic. "He will play but I do not know whether it will be for... [more»]