Ballack wants long stay

ByEurosport

Published 22/05/2006 at 08:23 GMT

Michael Ballack said he wants to finish his career at Chelsea after signing for the Premiership champions on a free-transfer from Bayern Munich, while fellow midfielder Frank Lampard is apparently ready to discuss teams on a new deal despite the increased competition for places at Stamford Bridge.

FOOTBALL 2007-2008 Premiership Chelsea Ballack

Image credit: dpa

"I'd like to finish my career here," Ballack said. "I hope things work out well and that we're successful in the next three years and the possibility will exist to extend that contract.

"You could say that is my vision at the moment, to end my career at Chelsea."

Ballack added regarding the possibility of facing team-mates Lampard and Terry at the World Cup: "Germany always has great respect for England, comparable with Brazil, Italy and Argentina.

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"The strengths of the English midfield are well known but, given that, the people of Germany would always look forward to England playing Germany.

"It is always a big game. It is a duel and we will look forward to renewing that duel."

LAMPARD READY TO SIGN-ON

Ballack's main attacking midfield rival, Frank Lampard, is apparently ready to discuss terms on a new deal to keep him at Chelsea for the remainder of his career.

The 27-year-old England star - top scorer for Chelsea with 16 league goals this season - is likely to be rotated more after Ballack's arrival, but is keen to re-sign for the club which signed him from West Ham for 11million pounds in 2001.