Yes, I've learned they will not be renewing Michael Ballack's contract (too bad I've invested in so many jerseys, hats and posters for my son, he won't understand when dad comes in this morning and cleans house).Ballack will look to finish his career somewhere else (Sounders, this is your chance!). Not a huge surprise -- the club needs to build its future and he's, as they say, on the wrong side of 30. Truth be told, I was never thrilled that he went there. By the time he and Sheva arrived, they'd gone too far with their new signings. It's a shame when the Chelseas and Madrids of the world sign so many players that they have players like Deco and Joe Cole riding the bench all year.
Additionally, he was never fully appreciated there. I think he was expected to play the Lampard role (even though they have Lampard) and score a lot of goals. Also, in the Premier League, they want you to be running around a lot, always, no matter what, and felt he didn't do enough of that.
I always said Ballack would have slotted in well at ManU, they've never really had the strength in midfield after Keano left and Scholes continued to age. I'd love to see him at Schalke to help with their Champions League campaign next season.
In any case, he had a decent time there with plenty of trophies and will have to see out his last couple of years somewhere else...I know he likes life in London so we'll see where he ends up.
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