Third time lucky

Third time lucky

Fri, 22nd Feb 2008

Michael Ballack has missed our two previous visits to the new Wembley, so cannot wait to be involved in Sunday's Carling Cup final against Tottenham.

The German midfielder damaged his ankle against Newcastle last April, and was eventually out for some eight months, long enough for him to sit out the FA Cup final and the Community Shield, both against Manchester United.

Now though, he is fit again and desperate to be a part of Avram Grant's team to face Spurs.

'It is exciting for me, because I didn't play before, so I hope I can play on Sunday,' Ballack said.

'You never know when you will be injured, and that was the worst time, three weeks before the end of the season, with the Champions league semi-final and the final of the FA Cup, it was very disappointing for me.'

Ballack has now played 12 times since recovering from his ankle injury, including his first Champions League appearance of the season after being named in the 25-man list for the closing stages of the competition.

'We know it is not easy because in the end we have to concentrate and focus a little bit more. I was in Leverkusen in 2002 in four competitions, and each time second place, because we tried to win everything and in the end we won nothing, so you have to be careful.

'It is very difficult, but it is a dream to win all four titles. I am happy to play for a club that tries to win all competitions. It's good to play in the Carling Cup as well, and we always play with a very strong team which is very good.'

While he hasn't yet played at the new Wembley, also missing Germany's friendly with England in August, Ballack was in the national team that played in the last game before the stadium was rebuilt, a 1-0 win he remembers well.

'It was great because we knew it was the last game, and it was a good win, but this stadium is amazing. I was there at the FA Cup final to watch the game, and was on the pitch.'

This time he will be hoping to be on the pitch again, but in a more involved capacity as we chase our fifth League Cup crown.

Source Chelsea FC Official WEB
http://www.chelseafc.com/xxchelsea180706/index.html#/page/ArchiveNews/list_2210603_2