Ballack hints at Chelsea stay soon

Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack has rejected rumours that he will be looking for a move away from the club, as the German today announced his intentions to stay at Stamford Bridge. Ballack had been linked with a move back to the Bundesliga or Serie A in the summer.

"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."