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Ballack wants to end career at Chelsea
Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack insists he could end his career at Stamford Bridge. The Germany captain has so far made only three Barclays Premiership appearances for Jose Mourinho's side but he aims to make his stay with the club a long one.

The 30-year-old has not yet reached his best form for the club but asked the Chelsea faithful to be patient as he adapts to football in England. "I am 30 now and Chelsea could be the last club I will play for," he said.

"My family and I really want to feel at home here. I like the atmosphere here, the speed of the game and the fact it seems like there is real competition to win the Premier League every year.

"English football fans live for football - they identify themselves most with football. For a player, that's great to see - and I think that's why they give absolutely everything in a game in this country.

"In Germany we follow the English game very closely and now I am here, I am just like the fans. I live for football.

"In this environment I know I can show my qualities. As a team we are getting better but we need time too. Excellent individuals have to learn how to play well as a team like any other players."

Midfielder Lassana Diarra, meanwhile, maintains he still wants a future at Chelsea. The France Under-21 international has found it hard to break into the first team this season even though he was being groomed as the natural successor to veteran Claude Makelele.

Ballack's arrival from Bayern Munich in the summer has pushed Diarra further down the pecking order but he remains confident of getting his chance.

Diarra told France Football: "I am learning a lot at Chelsea, especially on a technical level by training every day with such players, then in the under-21 national team you realise it is not as quick.

"I am also learning about pressure. That is what I experience every day in England. When I hear people compare me to Claude Makelele, it is flattering of course, but I am cautious.

"Obviously I would love to have a similar career to him. But that has not been my main concern so far. I am staying patient and working hard."

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Ballack is facing a real battering

November 22, 2006

WERDER BREMEN star Diego has warned Michael Ballack to prepare himself for a nightmare return to Germany tonight.

Chelsea’s Ballack is back in his homeland as Jose Mourinho’s men attempt to seal their place in the Champions League knockout stages.

But Brazilian midfield rival Diego insists the Bremen faithful will be doing everything to unsettle him.

Diego said: “I think it is only natural that the German supporters will try to bother and irritate Michael Ballack in this match. It happened in London and will happen again here.

“Chelsea are a team that deserves a lot of respect. But we will be playing at home, with our supporters pushing us on. And, besides, we need a win to stand a chance in the last game against Barcelona.

“We are unbeaten for quite a long time, so our confidence is high. We can win. I am sure about that.”

Ballack put the seal on a 2-0 September victory at Stamford Bridge with a penalty.

But Diego is confident things will be different this time.

He added: “When we lost to Chelsea, it wasn’t exactly a lesson.

“We found out something we already knew — that you just can’t make any mistakes when you play Chelsea. The price is so high for any error.

“We had lots of opportunities in London and I really don’t think we deserved to lose.

“They had a few and scored twice. In those big matches, chances are rare. So we have to take them.

“Some people have suggested Chelsea aren’t as good away from home. But I don’t see that. They are the same players and as good away as at home.

“And there is no doubt Didier Drogba is Chelsea’s most dangerous weapon. He is on fire and one of the main guys we have to watch for during the 90 minutes. They are a great team but we are as well.

“Our defence is strong, yet everyone knows our side is very offensive-minded. We need to be balanced, compact and impose our own style of football. If we can do that, and avoid silly mistakes at the other end, we stand a great chance.”