The German international joined the Blues on a free transfer from Bayern Munich in 2006, and after initially struggling to settle in England has begun to display the kind of form befitting of one of the world's most accomplished midfielders.

His current contract at Stamford Bridge runs until 2009, but the 31-year-old has already outlined his intention to prolong his stay in West London past that point.

Having spent 13 years in his homeland with Kaiserslautern, Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern, Ballack revealed that he has no desire to return to the Bundesliga before he takes the decision to hang up his boots.

future plans

"I have played for long enough in the Bundesliga and I can imagine that I will end my career in England," he said.

Ballack is currently preparing to lead his country into a Euro 2008 campaign, and admits that he is yet to discuss his future plans with his domestic employers.

"We haven't talked about it yet and I want to concentrate fully on the European Championship," he said.