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Ballack vows to play on after Chelsea exit

The 33-year-old, who will miss the World Cup because of an ankle injury he suffered in the London club’s FA Cup final win over Portsmouth, told Thursday’s edition of The Times newspaper: “To end my career like this is not an option.

“I want to play for at least two more years at the highest level so I can play for Germany at the European Championships.

“I’ve played in three Euros and two World Cups so I know how special they are and can’t end like this. I’m even more determined to carry on since I’ve been injured and the motivation is growing inside me every single day.”

Ballack added: “I’m not yet ready to ‘retire’ by going to the United States or Dubai and want to stay in Europe. I’m a proud German who always enjoyed living there, so have some options back home.”

Last season Ballack helped Chelsea win the west London club’s first Premier League and FA Cup Double.

The Times reported Chelsea’s Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti wanted to keep Ballack at Stamford Bridge but Abramovich was determined on an end of season squad clearout after feeling “humiliated” by the Champions League loss to eventual champions Inter Milan, coached by former Blues boss Jose Mourinho.

Ballack, discarded along with Joe Cole and Juliano Belleti, added: “It’s unfortunate we couldn’t come together, but I have to put it behind me.

“I’ve known for a while that the negotiations had stopped and it’s time to move on. I have to find a new club and carry on with my career.

“Chelsea was always my first choice as I had four great years at the club and enjoyed every minute, but it was not to be. It’s still my first choice, even now, but it was not up to me. The decision was down to Roman.”