Ballack relief at Barca snub

Michael Ballack claims he is delighted by his decision to snub Barcelona.

Michael Ballack claims he is delighted by his decision to snub Barcelona and join the Catalans' conquerors Chelsea.

The German international is still basking in The Blues' impressive UEFA Champions League victory over Barca on Wednesday.

And the player is of the belief that he made the right decision in rejecting the overtures of Frank Rijkaard.

"This is the reason I came to Chelsea - to have this sort of feeling," said Ballack.

"Barca tried to buy me before them, but I'm glad I have the blue shirt.

"My reason for joining the club had nothing to do with money.

"I wanted a new challenge and it doesn't get much bigger a challenge than playing for Chelsea and trying to beat Barcelona."

It was a good week for another of Jose Mourinho's high-profile additions, but Andrei Shevchenko's first goal for the club at Stamford Bridge against Portsmouth on Saturday will see him immediately shunted to the substitutes' bench.

"It is great for us to see Sheva finally get a goal here," said Mourinho.

"And it means that I can now leave him on the bench for our next game against Blackburn in the Carling Cup."