Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack has confirmed that he would like to end his career at Stamford Bridge.
The German international says he is settled in West London and has no plans to move on.
Ballack’s future at Chelsea has been the subject of speculation for some time as he has generally failed to impress since his move from Bayern munich in 2006.
“I have no plans to move clubs again,” said Ballack.
“I’m playing for an absolute top European club.
“There are more exceptional players here than in Munich and it’s a constant fight for positions.
“I have never regretted moving to Chelsea – it’s exactly what I wanted.
“You only develop if you have good players next to you and when every game is a challenge.
“When I was with Bayern Munich I won the Double three times in four years, and then we were often eliminated early on in the Champions League.
“I wasn’t excited anymore about winning the German championship yet again. I was looking for a new challenge.”
Ballack admitted that his time at Chelsea has been hindered by a serious ankle injury which sidelined him for eight months.
“When you’re injured you live on the sidelines. You don’t train, travel or play with the team,” added Ballack.
“The longer it lasts, the more difficult it is to remain accepted.
“I didn’t play for half a year, because of my ankle injury, which is why this season doesn’t feel drawn-out to me. I feel fit and I’m highly motivated.”
