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Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Michael Ballack could be set for MLS switch - agent
The 35-year-old's contract ends after this season with the Bundesliga club and he has received inquiries from several teams from around the world, but none from the USA so far
1 Dec 2011 19:13:00
By Alex Labidou
Getty
Bayer Leverkusen's Michael Ballack could be set for a move to MLS, according to his agent Michael Becker.
The midfielder's contract ends in June and his representative has confirmed to Goal.com that the 35-year-old is open to the possibility of playing in America.
"His contract is done in 2012 and of course it is a possibility," Becker revealed to Goal.com.
Becker expects that his client will receive offers from around the world, having already had inquiries from Asia and the Middle East, and whilst teams from England have also reportedly shown interest, Ballack is unlikely to return to the Premier League following his stint at Chelsea.
"He could go back to England but he's already been there," Becker added.
No MLS side has contacted the Ballack camp so far, but Becker believes he would bring something new to the league if brought over.
"With his body type, he's like an American quarterback. He is something definitely different from [Landon] Donovan or even [David] Beckham. Something the MLS hasn't had yet," the agent said.
Recent reports out of Europe have also suggested that Adidas is hoping to persuade Ballack to leave Germany for the North American league to replace Beckham, whose five-year contract with LA Galaxy recently ended.
Other players rumoured to be interested in joining the league include Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand, Juventus' Alessandro Del Piero and Chelsea's Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka.
Ballack, has made 448 club appearances for Bayer Leverkusen, scoring 118 goals from central midfield over two stints at the club.
Leverkusen became the first team to qualify for the knockout stages of Champions League Group E, following a 2-1 victory over Chelsea, and Becker believes Ballack's form during the group stage has played a big part in the team's recent success.
"Looking at that group, no one expected Leverkusen to be the first team to qualify," said Becker.
However, Ballack has had some injury issues over the past few years, which could deter potential suitors from acquiring the player, but Becker has insisted the former Germany international's fitness has improved.
"Aside from moments like [Kevin-Prince] Boateng's tackle [during the 2010 FA Cup final], those are accidents not the chronic injuries that you would expect [of players of his age]," Becker said. "I think in a way, that will provide him some longevity as he has spent some time off the field and paid close attention to his physical health."
Becker has ruled out retirement for his client and fully expects Ballack to play for at least another two seasons.
"In our conversations, [retiring] hasn't been brought up at all," he concluded.
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The midfielder's contract ends in June and his representative has confirmed to Goal.com that the 35-year-old is open to the possibility of playing in America.
"His contract is done in 2012 and of course it is a possibility," Becker revealed to Goal.com.
Becker expects that his client will receive offers from around the world, having already had inquiries from Asia and the Middle East, and whilst teams from England have also reportedly shown interest, Ballack is unlikely to return to the Premier League following his stint at Chelsea.
"He could go back to England but he's already been there," Becker added.
No MLS side has contacted the Ballack camp so far, but Becker believes he would bring something new to the league if brought over.
"With his body type, he's like an American quarterback. He is something definitely different from [Landon] Donovan or even [David] Beckham. Something the MLS hasn't had yet," the agent said.
Recent reports out of Europe have also suggested that Adidas is hoping to persuade Ballack to leave Germany for the North American league to replace Beckham, whose five-year contract with LA Galaxy recently ended.
Other players rumoured to be interested in joining the league include Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand, Juventus' Alessandro Del Piero and Chelsea's Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka.
Ballack, has made 448 club appearances for Bayer Leverkusen, scoring 118 goals from central midfield over two stints at the club.
Leverkusen became the first team to qualify for the knockout stages of Champions League Group E, following a 2-1 victory over Chelsea, and Becker believes Ballack's form during the group stage has played a big part in the team's recent success.
"Looking at that group, no one expected Leverkusen to be the first team to qualify," said Becker.
However, Ballack has had some injury issues over the past few years, which could deter potential suitors from acquiring the player, but Becker has insisted the former Germany international's fitness has improved.
"Aside from moments like [Kevin-Prince] Boateng's tackle [during the 2010 FA Cup final], those are accidents not the chronic injuries that you would expect [of players of his age]," Becker said. "I think in a way, that will provide him some longevity as he has spent some time off the field and paid close attention to his physical health."
Becker has ruled out retirement for his client and fully expects Ballack to play for at least another two seasons.
"In our conversations, [retiring] hasn't been brought up at all," he concluded.
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| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
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| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
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