Ballack: No Way I'll Hit Boos Again

Feb 24 2008 By Jamie Hewitt

THICK-skinned Michael Ballack insists he never let the hate campaign by a section of Chelsea fans get to him - and now feels he's back in their good books.

The Germany captain was vilified on his arrival in the English Premiership, as he struggled to adapt to its pace and strength, but insists his first season was a learning process.

And he was just starting to recapture his form when an ankle injury robbed him of a place in the FA Cup final last season and left him sidelined for eight months.

Now he is hoping to put his heartache behind by playing against Spurs in today's Carling Cup final at Wembley.

Ballack said: "I got a lot of criticism in the first months.

"But I know I am a good player.You don't become bad overnight. I was focused and dealt with the criticism.

"I had to learn to play with Chelsea. The yearwas getting better for me. I had some good games then I got injured and had to start again."

Ballack never had any fears he would not return from the ankle problem that put him out for so long but the longer it went on, the more frustrated he became.

He said: "Eight months is a long time. I know some players who were out for over a year and that went through my mind.

"It was frustrating and difficult not to make big steps forward after six months."

Now the German is keen to show Blues fans why he made the switch from Bayern Munich - and what he can add to the talented squad.

He said: "I want to show in the next weeks and months why Chelsea bought me.

"It is not easy if you change country. It is not an excuse. I am happy with my play.

"In the first year, Chelsea had a different style of play.

"In Munich I was the main player. Here we have a lot of big players so my style and the way of playing changed a little bit.

"Chelsea won the title twice and you have to adapt. Every player needs time.

"You want to prove yourself. I see also that it is getting more difficult because we have a lot of good players."

Boss Avram Grant praised the midfielder and said will continue to protect him.

He said: "Michael was injured a long time so we need to keep him fresh.

"We don't play him a few games in a row as he is still vulnerable.

"He is an intelligent player with a good commitment to the game. It is his life and he's an important player for us."