+ http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/article7147023.ece

June 10, 2010
Ballack makes vow to Chelsea and blames Abramovich for his exit
Germany captain aims to bow out at the top, saying 'to end my career like this is not an option' after being told he can leave
Matt Hughes Deputy Football Correspondent

Michael Ballack outlined his determination to prove Chelsea wrong last night and blamed Roman Abramovich for the club's decision to release him.

In an exclusive interview, Ballack, who will be writing a weekly column for The Times throughout the World Cup, expressed no bitterness at being let go and thanked everyone at Stamford Bridge for their support.

It can be revealed that Carlo Ancelotti, the manager, recommended to Chelsea's board that Ballack should be the first player awarded a new contract this summer, but was overruled by Abramovich.

The Chelsea owner suspended negotiations with all the club's out-of-contract players after their Champions League elimination at the round-of-16 stage by Inter Milan in March and they were never reopened, despite claims from the board that it would talk to Ballack and Joe Cole after the FA Cup Final last month.

Ballack, 33, is at a loss to explain why he was shown the door after playing a vital role in helping Chelsea to win the Double for the first time in their history, but believes that the decision was taken by Abramovich himself. It is understood that the Russian decided to have a squad clearout after feeling humiliated by the defeat against Inter, coached by José Mourinho, the former Chelsea manager.

Chelsea's official explanation for the departures of Ballack and Cole is that they did not offer value for money, indicating that the club's fans should not expect any high-profile replacements.

"It's unfortunate we couldn't come together, but I have to put it behind me," Ballack said. "I've known for a while that the negotiations had stopped and it's time to move on. I have to find a new club and carry on with my career.

"Chelsea was always my first choice as I had four great years at the club and enjoyed every minute, but it was not to be. It's still my first choice, even now, but it was not up to me. The decision was down to Roman."

Ballack's rejection has heightened the Germany captain's determination to extend his career, particularly after being forced to sit out the World Cup because of the ankle injury sustained as a result of Kevin-Prince Boateng's tackle in the Cup Final.

His main target is to carry on playing for Germany until the 2012 European Championship and he is hopeful of signing a two-year contract with a Bundesliga club.

"To end my career like this is not an option," Ballack said. "I want to play for at least two more years at the highest level so I can play for Germany at the European Championship.

"I've played in three Euros and two World Cups so know how special they are and can't end like this. I'm even more determined to carry on since I've been injured and the motivation is growing inside me every single day.

"I'm not yet ready to ‘retire' by going to the United States or Dubai and want to stay in Europe. I'm a proud German who always enjoyed living there, so have some options back home."

Ballack said he was grateful to all the players, managers and fans he encountered during four years at Chelsea, but particularly Ancelotti, with whom he had dinner while on holiday in Miami this week. "We have a great relationship and I know he respected me as a player," Ballack said.

"I loved the club. They always made me feel welcome and there was a special atmosphere in the team. We won three FA Cups and the Premier League in four years, but winning the Double this season was unbelievable as it was a real piece of history.

"Chelsea do not have the history of Liverpool or Manchester United but are growing as a club. I wish them well for the future."


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