Ballack completes Blues move

Germany captain Michael Ballack has signed his three-year contract at Chelsea.

Michael Ballack has signed his three-year contract at Chelsea and was unveiled by the Premiership champions ahead of the deal starting on July 5.

As expected, the Germany captain has sealed a lucrative Bosman switch to Stamford Bridge after deciding against renewing his contract with Bayern Munich.

Ballack helped Bayern to another Double this season but was jeered by sections of the club's support during his farewell performance.

The East German will add a touch of class to an already powerful Blues squad and is likely to be a major force in The Premiership.

After previously being courted by Manchester United and Real Madrid, the 29-year-old decided to opt for a move to the English capital.

"I'm very happy to be here and to sign the contract," he said on Sky Sports News.

"The last two days were good. I met very friendly people and London is a nice city.

"We had a great dinner in an Italian restaurant and a boy asked me for my autograph and was very respectful.

"So there's been good impressions.

"I asked some players about England and English football - Jurgen Klinsmann, Robert Huth, Jens Lehmann.

"They told me good things about this country.

"I am happy to be here."

Ballack will wear the number 13 shirt next season that he favours, but the jersey is currently held by unsettled defender William Gallas, whose future in West London is in doubt with Milan keen to take the Frenchman to Italy.