As Chelsea were one of the sides who dominated English and European football in the final few years of the 2000s, the main advantage they had over their opposition was the strength of their midfield.
Having already had the likes of Frank Lampard available to them, the Blues made the acquisition of proven top midfielder Michael Ballack in 2006, with him coming in and making a great impact on the side.
Jose Mourinho praised Ballack to an extent where he told English football that they should be able they got to witness the German in action before her retired.
Former Chelsea players have also spoken very highly of the midfielder since his time in West London came to an end, with Joe Cole praising Ballack as a player better than many gave him credit for.
Photo by Etsuo Hara/Getty Images
Photo by Etsuo Hara/Getty Images
Michael Ballack wanted longer contract to stay at Chelsea
Given the fact that the Germany legend joined the club at the age of 29, it was clear that he was not going to spend a decade dominating with the Blues.
However, there was some suprise when his contract was not renewed at the end of the 2009/10 season, given how important a role he had played on the side.
Ballack admitted that the reason he left was the club’s unwillingness to offer a contract longer than a single season, with the player admitting that he may have made a mistake when leaving.
He said to Sky Sports in 2020: “Carlo want me [to stay] but the club made a decision to only give players of that age a one-year contract. I wanted two.
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“Today, I can say maybe it was wrong. I should have stayed, even for that one year.
“I could never imagine that I would go back to [Bayer] Leverkusen. Until the last day, I actually thought we would find a way at Chelsea. I was really hoping I could stay until the end.”
Photo by Etsuo Hara/Getty Images
Photo by Etsuo Hara/Getty Images
Ballack’s post Chelsea career
Ballack returned to former club Bayer Leverkusen at the end of his spell at Chelsea, with him actually facing the Blues on their way to winning the Champions League in 2012.
Ballack admitted he was 50-50 on who to support that day when the Blues took on Bayern Munich, another former side of his.
The midfielder would spend two years back in the Bundesliga before retiring from the game, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most dominant to play in his position.
Chelsea were lucky enough to have him, winning six trophies during his time as a Blue.