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Mourinho wants dream Ballack-Lampard pairing
(AFP)
Updated: 2006-03-14 08:48
MUNICH, Germany (AFP) - Not content with having one of the largest squads in
Europe, English champions Chelsea want to add another top-class midfielder to
their ranks by capturing German international captain Michael Ballack.
Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho revealed Monday that Chelsea are waiting for
Ballack, currently at Bayern Munich, to decide whether he wants to move to
Stamford Bridge next season.
"Ballack is worth at least 25 million pounds (45 million dollars) and I want
him," Mourinho said in an interview with Bild newspaper.
"He said he needs time before making a decision. I respect that and now it is
up to him."
Chelsea, bankrolled by billionaire Russian owner Roman Abramovich, are not
afraid to pay out huge transfer fees but it is just a big wage package they
require this time with Ballack out of contract at the end of the season.
Chelsea are reportedly ready to make the 29-year-old Ballack the world's
highest-paid player with a weekly salary of 121,000 pounds (177,600 euros,
210,900 dollars).
Ballack guarantees goals, as his record of 29 goals in 62 German
internationals proves, and Chelsea certainly lacked a cutting edge in their
recent last 16 Champions League exit to Barcelona.
Ballack's aerial threat and ruthless finishing would certainly benefit
Chelsea but where does Mourinho plan to play him?
Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, Maniche, Eidur Gudjohnsen, Arjen Robben, Geremi
Damien Duff, Claude Makelele, Michael Essien and Shaun Wright-Phillips are
already competing for the midfield berths.
Mourinho indicated that the German midfielder would fit into the Chelsea
system and even play alongside England's attacking international midfielder
Lampard.
"Ballack is very fit and scores a lot of goals. In Europe I only know Lampard
and Ballack who play at this level," Mourinho declared.
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