Ballack eyes trophy haul
The German international lost in the Champions League and German Cup finals and saw Bayer Leverkusen throw away the title with the winning post in sight.
Coupled with missing the World Cup final through suspension, Ballack has endured more disappointments than most and is keen to put that right with a medal haul this season.
"I have so often been close and now I finally want to win some trophies," Ballack told the Bayern website.
"We have a splendid team with loads of top players and that means I will have to prove myself again."
The 25-year-old midfielder recently made his debut in a pre-season friendly with SC Verl and impressed coach Ottmar Hitzfeld with his slick passing and surges into the penalty area.
Such attributes made him a cult figure at Leverkusen but despite his absence the ex-Kaiserslautern man is confident his former employers can still be a threat in the new Bundesliga season.
"Despite the departures of Ze Roberto and myself, Bayer still have a great team," claimed Ballack.
"Of course it is going to be difficult to play a super season like last year. But in Toppmoller they have a great coach who can help the young players develop. I can see Leverkusen fighting it out near the top again."
