Ballack reveals Prem preference - 22 Mar 2006
Germany star Michael Ballack has revealed that England would be his preferred destination, should he - as expected - leave Bayern Munich this summer.
The 29-year-old is out of contract at The Allianz Arena and English champions Chelsea look to be leading the race to secure his much-coveted signature.
Ballack, who has also attracted interest form Manchester United, Internazionale and Real Madrid in recent months, has admitted that, of all the foreign leagues, The Premiership is where he would love to play.
"For me, it is The Premiership rather than La Liga," Ballack told The Daily Express.
"I am a very physical player and, in England, the pace is fast and the tackles are hard."
Ballack revealed that he sees himself in the mould of Patrick Vieira and Roy Keane - both of whom have departed The Premiership over the past nine months.
"If you look at the players that have become legends in England, like Patrick Vieira and Roy Keane, I see a lot of myself in players like that," he added.
Ballack's future is expected to be decided before the World Cup finals, with it now looking a straight battle between Bayern and Chelsea.
Germany star Michael Ballack has revealed that England would be his preferred destination, should he - as expected - leave Bayern Munich this summer.
The 29-year-old is out of contract at The Allianz Arena and English champions Chelsea look to be leading the race to secure his much-coveted signature.
Ballack, who has also attracted interest form Manchester United, Internazionale and Real Madrid in recent months, has admitted that, of all the foreign leagues, The Premiership is where he would love to play.
"For me, it is The Premiership rather than La Liga," Ballack told The Daily Express.
"I am a very physical player and, in England, the pace is fast and the tackles are hard."
Ballack revealed that he sees himself in the mould of Patrick Vieira and Roy Keane - both of whom have departed The Premiership over the past nine months.
"If you look at the players that have become legends in England, like Patrick Vieira and Roy Keane, I see a lot of myself in players like that," he added.
Ballack's future is expected to be decided before the World Cup finals, with it now looking a straight battle between Bayern and Chelsea.
