Michael Ballack on choosing Chelsea over Man Utd, missing out on Barca and Real & CL heartbreak

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Michael Ballack joined us on the Transfer Talk Podcast Special (filmed back in October 2019) to discuss:
02:45 - Winning the league with Kaiserslautern
05:58 - Choosing Leverkusen over Bayern
08:11 - Ignoring interest from Real Madrid
10:15 - Ballack’s Bayern fall-out and nearly joining Barcelona
17:02 - Why Ballack snubbed Manchester United
19:30 - Joining Chelsea and Champions League heartbreak
21:56 - Working under Jose, the Special One sacked
27:25 - Barcelona semi-final controversy and chasing the referee
32:13 - Leaving Chelsea to re-join Leverkusen
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[@edmonddantes4045]

I am a Manchester united fan but watching Michael ballack run after the referee pleading for foul is one of the most heartbreaking moments in football I've seen

[@geremigerem7063]

because if Chelsea reached the final, man utd would win the UCL.

[@edmonddantes4045]

@@geremigerem7063 I don't think u get the point

[@kevinfofana6565]

Ovrebo

[@dustyrhodes1655]

Respect from a Chelsea supporter.

[@Matters2023]

@@geremigerem7063 u missed the point

[@Rezmund]

This guy was massively underrated. In terms of mentality he must be one of the strongest players of his generation. A truly great player I admired during his career.

[@kingwata1]

Underrated! Where have you been space? Ballack is known as one of the best midfielders ever

[@welcometolife4237]

Underrated by you.

[@robertlangdon494]

Underrated? Michael ballack WAS DFB in 2006 wc. Everybody wanted to be able to strike the ball like Gerrard lampard and ballack

[@kirilmihaylov1934]

@@robertlangdon494 true ...But Ballack was mentally very tough

[@kingofthebridge8339]

He was good at everything. Pass, score, defend, cover ground, good in the air defensively and offensively. A truly complete midfielder.

[@NeerajDxbMortgage]

Interviewer : asks 2 paragraph long question Ballack: but this is football Wish he could have been there for our 2012 UCL victory. Legend 🙌🏽

[@weeman2873]

if he was there you guys might have not win it, his curse is too real

[@amanplayz518]

Neeraj Jordan Henderson has won the UCL therefore Henderson is a better player

[@Dragoonmsnv]

@@amanplayz518 if you're going to judge a team sport by titles that logic makes Danny drinkwater a better player than son heung min

[@theosantana7750]

@@weeman2873 no.13 🤣🤣🤣

[@amanplayz518]

Real AMG Danny Drinkwater is better tho

[@Tom-wr6mq]

Unpopular opinion:Chelsea had one of the best midfields in football history between 2005-2010. Lampard, Ballack, Makelele, Essien, and Deco😳

[@nahidulislam9321]

and the one and only Mikel

[@ramdhit]

Imagine playing against 3 att mid in ballack, deco, lampard that was cobered by essien and makelele. Sadly it doesnt always work out in real life. LOL

[@junaldinho100]

Imagine mentioning Deco in the mix. Raul Meireles was more impactful than him 😂😂😂😂

[@kmf3613]

Martial_is a beast 9 you won't find a bigger united fan than me but are you daft?

Tbh Juventus bayern munich and city all easily have better midfields, and real madrid and Barca will no doubt improve their over the summer too

[@ryder883]

Ballack is a role model for any aspiring box to box player. He had everything technically but was also a leader and never panicked, when taking penalties and free kicks he was the calmest person in the stadium.

[@007Fusiion]

Bloody giant too

[@ZolaMagic25]

His positional play was so good. People used to criticise him for just strolling around the pitch but he was always in the right place.

[@Trillmxtic]

A true chelsea legend. Being able to stand out in a midfield with Lampard, Makalele, Essien was very very special

[@Player-pw8nh]

Ballack is the reason I started playing football. I watched him for hours. Such a top player, made everything look so elegant and simple.

[@CJ0101]

Perry Groves is the reason I did.

[@narbavir6967]

No one deserved the CL medal more than this man. Wish he was with Chelsea in 2012.

[@nunomartins8506]

I’m an arsenal fan but what a player Ballack was

[@patchh15]

Nuno Martins Same here and his PIM is a monster on FIFA .. THANK YOU BALLACK

[@Critchy39]

He swaggered around like he owned the pitch, with a cigar in his mouth. Beautiful to watch, never rushed.

[@chriskindler10]

underrated player. he was world class

[@abduraxmaan450]

UNDERRATED?????? literally everyone knew he was one of the absolute best in 2001-2006

[@saadsaif821]

He was pivotal in germany's rebirth as a football powerhouse again at a time when Germany had mediocre sides and the likes of schweinsteiger, podolski, deisler, lahm, klose etc were just getting in. IMO he did two miss-steps 1) leaving bayern 2) going to chelsea, if he had gone to man utd it would have suited him to play alongside Carrick and Scholes plus he would have been a part of the all dominating utd side that won pretty much everything from 2006-7, 08, 09, 10 etc. Would have had loved to see him utd red but unfortunately he went elsewhere.

[@kirilmihaylov1934]

@@saadsaif821 true...

[@24sumo]

Not underrated. He just wasn’t that good at Chelsea

[@kirilmihaylov1934]

@@24sumo idiot

[@michaelpocock2699]

I really wish He stayed another season and won with us in 2012. He deserved to win it with us

[@mridulkc4010]

Good to know his parents knew him from a young age.

[@panicatthetesco6964]

I’ve never met my parents

[@johnkeane5641]

You try saying it in german

[@tracyrhodes5930]

My Dad has just gone to the shops to buy Cigarettes...

[@arianrahman5886]

Dude he is obviously adopted by German parents since he was separated from his twin brother Matt Damon

[@ceen3237]

Just like Beckham's parents who were always there for him, ever since he was about 8.

[@muktherock]

I wish he had a Reus or Draxler around him in the National Team. He would've won a least a trophy for DFB. Man truly is a Dark Knight. He made sure Germany were a top team between 2000-2010 when they weren't that good. Now nobody remembers him :(

[@pixuull]

MAATTTT DAMMMONNNN

[@niklaslow3254]

muktherock in Gernany everybody remembers him he was our captain and vor 8 years our best player

[@roygilpin]

I disagree, I preferred Ballack to make those runs into the box. Torsten Frings was very underrated and complemented Ballack well but remember there was the emerging Schweinsteiger and also the technically gifted Bernd Schneider so i can't really see how Reus or Draxler would have made a difference! Perhaps if Effenberg hadn't retired from International football then Ballack and Effenberg would have been incredible!

[@fringsthorsten5039]

My favourite. 99 caps for Germany, 42 goals scored and assisted 19. Impressive stats from a midfielder

[@Ugk871]

Sadly he didn’t lift the trophy with us in 2012 CL. He’s a big man Chelsea. Salute 💪🏼🦾

[@kevindraarsalan6922]

2009, tom henning ovrebo, WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER, NEVER FORGET A SIN

[@JudeMarchisio]

That bitch should be in jail. He was disgusting that day.

[@ibrahimhusmuh10]

One of the finest midfielder in the world and played in his heart in his sleeve for us. So blessed to see him play for us

[@CristianoSahibdo]

Whenever he played, i always thought he played like a terminator. Now hearing him speak, yeah think he is the terminator

[@CJ0101]

He looks like Arnie in Commando.

[@chrisdee1583]

I'll be Ballack 💩

[@CJ0101]

@@chrisdee1583 👏

[@davyprendergast82]

What if Germans in general just all sound like terminators?

[@CJ0101]

@@davyprendergast82 Glad to see KZbin demolishing stereotypes as usual.

[@rubbersoul4960]

Utd fan here. But Ballack will always be my favourite player. I felt bad for him when he lost the UCL against United. He has no weakness in football, maybe speed and agility. 😅

[@johanrijhkelaar3627]

Such a great midfielder, his striking of the ball was one of the best I’ve ever witnessed

[@muktherock]

Ballack had every attributes a midfielder could dream of.

[@eponymous7910]

Two footed, physically strong, high endurance, supreme in the air and a regular goalscorer. Aside from pace you're absolutely right- the guy had it all

[@sambk4605]

Edward H midfielders don’t even need pace

[@duncancoetzee5792]

@@sambk4605 know how to beat your opponent 1v1 and make killer passes.

[@Rezmund]

Mentally and intellectually a great world class player 👍

[@sambk4605]

Duncan Coetzee it was never his game and he still could dribble past people and make killer passes 🤷🏿‍♂️

[@arch1e735]

Players giving credits to their wives always disappoint me. Parents come first, they are the ones who brought you up, taught you everything, got you enrolled into football academies not your wives. Ofc wives deserve credit for being on your side through good and bad times but parents always come first. Ballack is a great lad.

[@_newmantube_]

Its not that deep

[@jtmmmm27]

Some parents are assholes though.

[@calteckk]

@@jtmmmm27 well anyone should still give credit if they put a roof on your head for their 14 or so years.

[@calteckk]

@Ari he still with Natacha Tannous

[@MerseYattle]

@@calteckk nonsense, its their responsibility to do that, not willing or able to do that, dont have a child in the first place, but of course we know thats not the norm especially nowadays and thats whats wrong with this place, you really show us and confirm this as well young dipshiats shitting out kids left and right not caring for the consequences, welcome to hell lmao

[@GodotOfficial]

“My parents knew me from when I was small” Why does that sound hilarious lol

[@SKa-tt9nm]

Godot “we met when I was 5...” 😁

[@Billzloveschelsea]

LOOOOL I LAUGHED

[@iioreoyziioreogang7972]

English second language

[@SKa-tt9nm]

GETatME Corleone we know

[@laurentiusforever]

GETatME Corleone still, he should be more fluent in english. He was in England for so many years

[@sebastianalegria3401]

OMG Michael's English is very good, I think we all remember him when he ran behind the referee after he didn't whistle a penalty in that UCL's semi-final Chelsea - Barcelona. Furthermore, in spite of he hasn't won a world cup final nor a UCL's final, he'll always be remembered in Chelsea, and in Germany as one of the greatest footballers of all-time.

[@AfricanNene]

Huge admirer for Ballack. He's such a great legend.

[@tuppenceworth5485]

When Ballack took a penalty, a goal was almost guaranteed.

[@gullyside4721]

I don't think he ever lost one.

[@timlehane9287]

@Martial_is a beast 9 Bruno Fernández just copied jorginho

[@rowlandaloriba6931]

Tuppence Worth he's German and that's their speciality.

[@CrunkKing232]

Tim Lehane Bruno Fernandes has had that penalty style for a long time if you watched his older matches

[@bryguy572]

@Martial_is a beast 9 Jorginho the GOAT

[@PRAS311MISH]

I was part of the cult who always believed that this guy was the best midfielder during major part of 1st decade after 2000

[@gullyside4721]

Im the leader of that cult brother .

[@ChelseaMan31]

What cult?Majority believes it . Him and Schweinsteiger are the best of midfielders that Germany ever produced . They both were footballing God's to them .

[@Pick18]

@@ChelseaMan31 both quality players buy not nearly as good as Matthäus

[@ChelseaMan31]

@@Pick18 he was when man marking football was in fashion . On the whole package nowhere near both .

[@jaxnorthmusic7863]

Yh he was the best for a while after the zidane/Davids era

[@niltash4ever]

That Chelsea team from 2004 to 2010 was one of the greatest ever teams. They just were so unlucky with the champions league.

[@wannieodey2499]

I swear .. about 3 semi final loss and also lost the 2008 final in Moscow

[@dustyrhodes1655]

As a great man once said "campaign against Chelsea"

[@TIGRINYA449]

One of my favourite chelsea pleyer My God bless u legend

[@martinkelleher5662]

Fascinating interview . Ballack was so underated . U look at his record for each club the number of goals he scored for a midfielder is incredible . Alot of strikes don't have that goal ratio .

[@TheDinmamma12]

the 2001-2006 Ballack is one of the greatest mids to ever play the game. FACT

[@TJaeSpeaks]

One of the most underrated midfielders of the 2000s

[@LoCoAde87]

How was he underrated?!

[@TJaeSpeaks]

@@LoCoAde87 How many people put him up there with the likes of Gerrard,Schweinsteiger, Pirlo and other midfield greats of his generation. He is usually an afterthought

[@talibhassan652]

Bro only modern generation who hasn't seen the likes of ballack omits to mention his name. Those who has witnessed his game know he was one of the greatest midfielder of all time. I can't forget his chemistry with ze Roberto in Leverkusen. Brilliant just brilliant to watch.

[@Tom-wr6mq]

@@talibhassan652 finally a guy with a really insightful opinion. Refreshing to see my friend👏

[@i7zz3a1t]

He wasn’t underrated at all especially in Germany.

[@ahdemrn]

One of the greatest players Chelsea had! ... Hearing Ballack speak was not only an excellent player at Chelsea but a rather humble person who never set out to go to other big name clubs but was patient throughout the time and chose the best decision to go to Chelsea. Chelsea really needs a player like Michael Ballack in midfield right now. Sadly due to Terry's recklessness, he did not win the Champios when we had everything to win it and that is unfortunate and a pity that Ballack could not lift that trophy! We miss you at Chelsea friend! ... hopefully one day you can lead the team from the bench and impose on the players the professional mentality you had and the passion for the Chelsea shirt! ...Someone please tell Ballack these words!

[@MrSupasheva]

one of my favourite players growing up. The summer he and Shevchenko joined Chelsea was crazy

[@arianrahman5886]

One of my all time favourite footballers, childhood hero

[@reuelerastus-obilo9283]

Jesus Christ this was such a genuine interview by the best German midfielder between 2000 and 2010. This man had been to so many finals but lost out, but that certainly doesn't take away from his incredible ability. This man literally shits goals and commands the midfield like no other. I swear I don't know who is better between Lamps Gerrard or Ballack though.

[@goldenbrown3283]

It has to be Ballack . He had more of a presence on the pitch . There was an aura around Ballack.... It's like he had a halo 😇 above his head . His composure and calmness for the 90 minutes was class. He was a total team player and players loved playing around him !!.

[@likklej8]

Thanks Sky for interviewing a Chelsea legend.

[@simplyballing1592]

Isn't he a Bayern Munich legend? Or did Roman Abramovich buy that status off him too

[@calteckk]

@@simplyballing1592 more years at Chelsea. more trophies at Chelsea. I think he's a Chelsea legend.

[@likklej8]

Simply Balling Mr A has taken a back seat due to HMGs continuing anti Russian policies. But originally I will concur. Now it’s Man City buying glory but no one knocks Arab owners.

[@joshuakimmich9536]

@@calteckk he's both

[@calteckk]

@@joshuakimmich9536 more of a Leverkusen legend than Bayern. Especially since Bayern exec's didn't like him.

[@nametsego]

KING wish he were in the 2012 CFC squad

[@theorgazoid4918]

Chelsea definitely had their pants pulled down by the referee in that semi final.

[@dustyrhodes1655]

Nah they got their cheeks clapped...repeatedly.

[@ZolaMagic25]

@@dustyrhodes1655 absolutely pummelled Barca in that game. Their only shot in target was that Iniesta goal

[@stuartbrown25]

Michael ballack was a great player for Chelsea, I was glad when he signed for our club....

[@Dave2807]

Ballack.. so underrated. Brilliant footballer.

[@wild4fp]

Well arrogant when watching him play or hearing of him through the 90's and 2000's but what an amazing player. World class.

[@thamananm3159]

Ballack was joy to have as a chelsea fan. Absolute joy. Top top quality

[@Imalittlejimmy]

One of the best midfielders of all time

[@ChelseaMyReligion]

Good job on the content you are still making during this time. As for Ballack, every time he stepped up to take a pen while he was playing for Chelsea (should have taken more), we never any doubt whatsoever that he would score

[@dannyc9903]

MB was a class act and still is- we loved him!

[@wewinwiracorneliswahid6602]

Interviewer: *fishing for regrets* Ballack: i have no regrets

[@plainguy10]

Im a fan of Ballack, hats off to this interviewer, really engaging

[@bcasey4903]

Anyone else notice Ballack giving him the middle finger only 20 seconds in??

[@Ari-bx9cs]

Loooooool

[@andrew2450]

Lol

[@florme6494]

I don’t know if many Chelsea fans remember but Ballack was more of a playmaker/ball mover for Chelsea as Lampard seemed to have been given the permission to take up the late runs in to the box. Some of Ballack’s best games was when Lampard wasn’t playing, seeing his strength which to me was a box to box player.

[@MerseYattle]

yes, he was a box to box player, technique and passing was good so thats why he ended playing sort of both for bayern and epecially national team but that was never the main strength the playmaking, always best as box to box, in a way he was unlucky in that regard, often missing good players on his side but also the right ones to give him more freedom to do his strenght tldr he carried a lot on his shoulders alone, scored lots of 1:0 for bayern too, and many headers

[@rkslounge8117]

Lampard, Ballack, Essien. That was a ridiculously good midfield.

[@peaceinworld1616]

What a player what a leader I miss you Michael👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 I give you a standing ovation

[@jedw9983]

As a Chelsea season ticket holder, all I can say is that Ballack was absolutely fantastic. And a model pro.

[@driess1]

Being the brother of Matt Damon, the parents must be proud to have 2 such successful sons.

[@clementoghosa9839]

Is true what you saying

[@Chronomancer3791]

Glad you chose London. Thanks for the memories Michael Ballack. Chelsea Legend.

[@federicogalli490]

Matt Damon twin brother

[@ChelseaMan31]

No Mark Wahlberg's triplet .

[@RED-yw7ov]

Do ye even know who Matt Damon and Mark Wahlberg are?

[@sanjeevingalagi8672]

They are ballack's twin bro

[@ChelseaMan31]

@@RED-yw7ov ya both them are your biological fathers . For further ask yo momma .

[@byamukamamathias7289]

It always striked me thus

[@iamAdityaPatel]

Love and Respect .. Legend .. a Chelsea fan.

[@odri9960]

The Great legend Ballak❤️

[@josephkasozi913]

At the time, Chelsea had several international captains; Terry, Ballack, Drogba, etc

[@shakthi3gv]

Absolute Legend. Thank you.. 💙 💙

[@Revelian1982]

He was a top player and is a great guy. I wish him the best for the rest of his life, and I hope he and his family prosper.

[@nusreldeenahmed6289]

Thank you🙏 Michael Ballack for the great service

[@nusreldeenahmed6289]

Ballack Never shy from confrontations

[@mycaelfolivyvi]

This guy could hit a ball... Damn

[@HeyJoeNinety]

I can't stop looking at the hair on the back of his head 😂

[@Joseperez-oz7to]

These interviews are great

[@mahbuubtube3242]

The man i was named after him, what's I can't forget is I buyed his Jersey in late 2008 and then the following day I lost my mum😭😭😭😭

[@Asgoodasitgets146]

And then he got to the CL final with Chelsea and lost to United! Great player though!

[@indexfinisher]

Excellent series....have found these fascinating all the transfers and true story behind the transfer speculations......more of them please and be nice to find out what the footballer are doing after football.

[@kvinilkiran]

When you snub Man U to win the UCL at Chelsea, and then you go all the way to Moscow to lose it at Man Utd! Absolute scenes!

[@JoshPounder]

Fate

[@corachgambler]

and then the year after to get shafted by UEFA in the 2009 UCL semi final

[@kvinilkiran]

exactly . If only Chelsea went through, we would have clinch our back to back ucls!

[@kvinilkiran]

William Fazo Einstein!!!! 👏🏼

[@rebel4721]

31:55 RIP Ray Wilkins

[@khubiratsatsi]

Michel is on of us. He is blue 💙 forever

[@ewoloubamaeric2721]

As an arsenal fan I don't like Chelsea that much but Ballack was a monster of a player. One of the greats of his time.

[@LAILAMEMBRANE]

As a Chelsea fan I respect and love you you was one of the best players in the world and of course in Chelsea best of luck for the future Michael. 🙏

[@marcelchalobah7946]

I feel bad for him he lost the UCL and world cup in the same year 2002. Losing UCL and euro 2008.

[@deanbartlett1392]

Wow he looks great! Looks like he never aged!

[@dakkefernet8585]

Always lost the finals poor guy

[@mrmoralman1]

They are sitting rather close. Must be from the good old days

[@sifisoification]

Among my favourite 2000-2010 era midfielders

[@cfcstar9000]

Ballack13 one of the Best and a Midfield Legend of the game always gd to see the Lad covering his Career, I thought it was kind of stupid of the interviewer to ask about regrets on a few occasions🤦 even though he's played for big Clubs in Leverkusen, Bayern, Chelsea and Germany Captain alright he missed out on the the champions League in couple of Finals with us 08 and Bayer Leverkusen 02 but he has had a Top Quality career and has won a load of League and Cup titles I would say some with that CV would be very happy with his choices in his career.💙💪⚽

[@abdimahamed1408]

What a player

[@blemzymatto3331]

General of midfielder😍

[@jeffreyrichards5667]

Chelsea Legend.. That midfield partnership with Frank Lampard was tasty...

[@Rumbu_P]

Took me all this while to be here, but I made it 😊 what! A player. You can still tell he a proper Chels

[@lizwa6463]

Our most underrated player

[@srijansinha6422]

We love you Michael! Your a True Blue!!

[@edgarpanganiban9339]

Ofcourse United fans will say they rather have Carrick instead lmao. The same way they rather had Kagawa than Hazard cuz the latter rejected them too.

[@andrewdavis4190]

Dont think many united fans would want kagawa over hazard but we were more successful with Carrick than you were with ballack.

[@edgarpanganiban9339]

@@andrewdavis4190 I was being sarcastic though.

[@andrewdavis4190]

@William Fazo I didnt say I would have preferred Carrick over ballack just that we were more successful in the period he played for you.

[@ousmanmanjang3732]

How did Ballack spell turnout compare to United? 😂😂😂

[@karthikkumar96]

Soon Sancho will reject them

[@RL-um7nv]

Love you Michael still remember the days you partnered with Lampard. I believe there won't be a dressing room with that level of big players and leadership in football history.

[@EddieArafa]

Forever my number one Player 💙💙💙

[@Ibrahimooo999]

Such a legend ♥️

[@MrTTuguldur]

I absolutely love him

[@shanpamz9381]

Ballack, klose n kahn is the reason that i bcame a fan of Germany for life........ For life

[@yonasmrope8236]

My dream player in chelsea🔥🔥🔥

[@technologylover121]

This interview helped me through my quarantine boredom

[@007Fusiion]

Temporary reprieve

[@kmf3613]

"Man U wanted me but I wanted to win the UCL" bahahahahahahahaha love it😂😂

[@edint9816]

yet he never won it with Chelsea and lost the final vs Man Utd

[@Ballackx13]

@@edint9816 terry still owns him a Cl

[@MrPlenty1]

To be fair when he chose to join Chelsea, they were looking more likely to win it than United were. United were still in a transition period and wouldn’t win the league until the season Ballack joined Chelsea.

[@flipflop1591]

His English is phenomenal 👌

[@DEEDUBZ]

One of the greatest Midfielders of his generation

[@silandulo]

As Man Utd fan have nothing but admiration for Ballack however him losing to United in UCL was jus sweeter for us Man Utd fans.

[@maxily9240]

Ballack shooting power: 98 stamina: 95 Lampard shooting power: 95 stamina: 90 Essien shooting power: 90 stamina: 98 What a powerful midfield trio Chelsea had

[@tomsav19_25]

An underrated player