Ballack bids bye-bye to Chelsea (1st Lead)

By Henning Hoff Jun 9, 2010, 10:48 GMT

London - German international Michael Ballack will be leaving Chelsea after the English club decided against renewing its contract with the injured player.

'We were unable to agree on further cooperation,' Ballack's agent Michael Becker told the German Press agency dpa on Wednesday.

Ballack, who will miss the World Cup because of ankle ligament damage, will leave the Premiership Club as a free agent.

The 33-year-old midfielder joined Chelsea from Bayern Munich on a free transfer in 2006.

Ballack was not the only major star to be sorted out at Chelsea as English international Joe Cole was also not offered a new contract after seven seasons with the London club.

Chelsea and Ballack's agent have been holding talks for months. The main sticking point in the negotiations had been the length of the deal.

Chelsea were hoping to lock on the midfielder on a one-year contract while Ballack wanted more certainty heading towards the 2012 European Championship.

The breakup comes quite surprising as the Goerlitz native would have gladly stayed in London, where he was well-respected.

'When it comes to experience there is no better man for the job. 'Bally' is an extremely strong character and has been a massive influence. He has also contributed well on the goals front,' said Chelsea assistant coach Ray Wilkins on the club's website.

Chelsea head coach Carlo Ancelotti also had hoped the club could retain his No. 13, who was one of the most popular Blues.

In his four years at Stamford Bridge, Ballack captured one English Premiership title (2010) and three English FA Cups (2007, 2009, 2010).

He was unable to hoist the Champions League trophy, however, losing in the 2008 final in penalties to arch rivals Manchester United in Moscow.

Ballack, the first German player to win the double in England, made 168 appearances (27 as substitute) and scored 25 goals for Chelsea.

A number of clubs have been linked to Ballack, including Real Madrid and sides in the German Bundesliga.