Ballack Dismisses Talk of Move to Madrid

Michael Ballack today dismissed claims he is about to leave Chelsea, declaring that he has "had no contact with Real Madrid whatsoever".

Madrid have been linked with moves for the German international and his Chelsea team-mate Arjen Robben in recent weeks, with the new coach Bernd Schuster reported to be especially keen on the pair. But Ballack today insisted he wants to prove himself in England after a difficult first season last year.

"I am totally committed to Chelsea," said Ballack. "I came here to win trophies and be successful in English football, I want to assure the Chelsea fans of that. I am very happy in London professionally and for my family.

"The speculation about me leaving is not true. I am frustrated by my injury at the moment but I am working hard to be fit and hope to be back very soon to join my team-mates."

Ballack, who is suffering from an ankle problem, is currently joined on the Chelsea sidelines by Robben, John Terry, Didier Drogba, Saloman Kalou Claude Makelele, Paulo Ferreira, Wayne Bridge and Andriy Shevchenko. "When you have so many injured players, you hope one or two can be back," said the Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho. "I would be happy just to have Kalou."