Ballack extends stay at Chelsea

Michael Ballack has agreed a new one-year extension to his contract with Chelsea, which will keep him at the club until June 2010.

The Germany international, 32, had been discussing a new deal with the FA Cup winners, who appointed Italian Carlo Ancelotti as their new coach on 1 June.

The midfielder told the club website: "I am very happy to be staying here.

"It was always my intention to stay until at least the World Cup in South Africa in 2010."

Ballack, who suffered an injury-hit start to the 2008/09 season, has won the FA Cup twice, plus the Carling Cup in his time at Stamford Bridge.

"We had a fantastic end to the season, winning the FA Cup, and we are all looking forward to taking this success into the new season under Carlo Ancelotti, our new manager," added Ballack.

A Chelsea statement added: "Michael has been a key member of our team for three years so we are naturally very happy that we have agreed the extension."

The German was signed from Bayern Munich a free transfer in May 2006 by former Blues boss Jose Mourinho.

Ancelotti succeeds Guus Hiddink at the London club, who guided the Blues to FA Cup victory this season as well as steering the club to third place in the Premier League.

Ballack won three league titles during his four years at Bundesliga giants Bayern, and has 89 caps for Germany, scoring 39 goals.

It was revealed in March that Ballack has been promised the captaincy of the German national team at the World Cup in South Africa, if he is both fit and the three-times winners qualify.

Germany are top the Group Four table, ahead of nearest rivals Russia.