Ballack to decide future

Blues ace could hang up boots after 2010 World Cup

By Richard Bailey   Last updated: 3rd September 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Ballack to decide future

Ballack: Will make decision in summer

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Michael Ballack has revealed that he will decide whether to continue playing after the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

The Chelsea ace, who will celebrates his 33rd birthday in three weeks time, signed a new deal in June that will keep him at Stamford Bridge for a further 12 months.

However that could prove to be the German's last contract in professional football with many suggesting that the midfielder always planned to call it a day after the World Cup next summer.

The former Bayer Leverkusen man has become an important figure at Chelsea following his arrival on a free transfer from Bayern Munich in summer 2006 and suggestions of retirement may surprise some Blues fans.

"I will decide after the 2010 World Cup if I will continue playing or if I will stop," he told Express.

"I will continue as long as I enjoy it and still have ambitions in the sport."

Ambitions

If this season does prove to be his last Ballack will be determined to rid himself of the 'nearly man' tag that he has acquired over the years.

The veteran helped guide Germany to the final of the World Cup in 2002 but missed the 2-0 loss to Brazil through suspension.

Ballack was also part of the Leverkusen squad that let a famous treble slip through their grasp just months earlier.

The Bundesliga side lost 2-1 to Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League final, before succumbing 4-2 to Schalke in the German Cup final as well as letting their lead at the top of league slip to eventual winners Dortmund.