Chelsea

Chelsea Hand Michael Ballack A Contract Extension

The German international was due to become a free agent this summer, but his new £121,000-a-week deal will keep him at Stamford Bridge until the end of next season.

According to a report in the British broadsheet The Times, Premier League club Chelsea have rewarded Michael Ballack with a new contract.

The midfielder was set to become a free agent at the end of this season, however, the Blues have apparently handed him a one year extension worth £121,000-a-week.

It is thought that the west London outfit will soon confirm the deal, which keeps the 32-year-old at Stamford Bridge for a fourth consecutive season.

It is also claimed that the 92-time capped Germany international, who has scored 41 goals for his country, is one of the club’s top earners, lagging just behind John Terry and Frank Lampard but ahead of Didier Drogba.

The news could be seen as Chelsea showing support to a player who could be punished by UEFA for confronting referee Tom Henning Ovrebo for failing to award a penalty in the Champions League semi-final second leg at home to Barcelona on Wednesday evening.

Since signing for Chelsea on a free transfer from German giants Bayern Munich, Ballack has scored 20 goals in 119 appearances.