Gavmundo
01-03-2007, 03:06 PM
Michael Ballack has hit back at criticism from Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge over his move to Chelsea.
The German international rejected the most lucrative offer in the Bundesliga side's history in 2005 to stay at the Allianz Arena, preferring to let his contract run out and become a free agent.
But despite helping Bayern to three top flight championships and three German Cups in his four seasons in Munich, he has struggled to settle in the Premiership thus far.
Noting Ballack's recent struggles, Rummenigge has therefore insisted Munich were right to let the midfielder go, but Ballack has dismissed those comments as nonsense.
"Rummenigge should simply tell the truth and accept the fact a player decides to go to another club," Ballack told Sport-Bild.
He has taken some consolation in Bayern's early season struggles and has admitted he is taking a while to adapt the the English champions' style of play.
"It shows now that I wasn't far off with my ideas," Ballack added about Munich.
"Chelsea's style is different than at Bayern though. It's difficult to take advantage of my strength in the air.
"While no one has a job guarantee, I think I've been on the pitch because I've been doing my job well. I fit in the team and can help it."
Ballack will be anxious to impress when he gets his first taste of the FA Cup as The Blues take on Macclesfield Town on Saturday.
The German international rejected the most lucrative offer in the Bundesliga side's history in 2005 to stay at the Allianz Arena, preferring to let his contract run out and become a free agent.
But despite helping Bayern to three top flight championships and three German Cups in his four seasons in Munich, he has struggled to settle in the Premiership thus far.
Noting Ballack's recent struggles, Rummenigge has therefore insisted Munich were right to let the midfielder go, but Ballack has dismissed those comments as nonsense.
"Rummenigge should simply tell the truth and accept the fact a player decides to go to another club," Ballack told Sport-Bild.
He has taken some consolation in Bayern's early season struggles and has admitted he is taking a while to adapt the the English champions' style of play.
"It shows now that I wasn't far off with my ideas," Ballack added about Munich.
"Chelsea's style is different than at Bayern though. It's difficult to take advantage of my strength in the air.
"While no one has a job guarantee, I think I've been on the pitch because I've been doing my job well. I fit in the team and can help it."
Ballack will be anxious to impress when he gets his first taste of the FA Cup as The Blues take on Macclesfield Town on Saturday.