Ballack Hangs Up His Chelsea Boots As Club Decides To Release Him.
Premier League holders Chelsea have decided not to renew Michael Ballack’s contract, and so the German international has been released by the club.
Reports suggest that quite a few clubs throughout Europe are already in talks with ex-Germany captain Ballack over a contract, but nothing is official yet.
Ballack, who is now at the ripe age of 33, would have made it a goal of his to represent and captain his country at this summer’s World Cup. Unfortunately, Ballack will miss out on the tournament after an ankle injury he suffered on his very last game for Chelsea in the FA Cup Final, which Chelsea went on to win. In four years time, Ballack will be 37, and will either be retired or far from his best form. In two years, though, Germany will be ready for the European Championships, which Ballack may still have a chance at making.
The German man will now consider contract offers from a host of clubs around Europe, but will want a guarantee of regular first-team action. Keeping fit and in-form for Ballack will be his highest priority, so that despite his age, he may once again represent his national team.
A move back to Germany may suit Ballack more than a move to another English side would, because back in Germany Ballack would be looked at like a hero returning from a long, but triumphant war on distant shores. Off the pitch, he would be respected and celebrated as one of the country’s greatest ever midfielders, and on the pitch it would boost his game, being able to be around familiar surroundings and his countrymen.
Or, retirement and coaching is on the horizon for Ballack. While he may still have the ambition and the drive to want to continue playing and represent his country again once more, he may be physically on a downward slide, and it may be too much to expect of him for him to continue playing at the top of his game for two or three more years.
Whatever Ballack chooses to do, he will be remembered as one of the most dominating midfielders to grace the game this decade, and he will always be remembered as a true leader on and off the pitch.
Chelsea have also decided to release Joe Cole, who will be taking the field for England at this summer’s World Cup, and Juliano Belletti.
