Ballack dismisses Real Madrid report

Chelsea's German midfielder Michael Ballack applauds the crowd after his side beat Blackburn Rovers in their FA Cup semi-final at Old Trafford in Manchester, northwest England, April 2007. Ballack has insisted that he had no intention of leaving Chelsea despite a report from Germany in which his agent revealed he was in discussion with the Spanish champions about a move.

Michael Ballack insisted Monday that he had no intention of leaving Chelsea despite a report from Germany in which his agent revealed he was in discussion with the Spanish champions about a move.

Ballack's agent Michael Becker told Kicker magazine that there was "indirect contact" with the Spanish giants, although he said he had advised Real to contact Chelsea to continue negotiations.

Real's new coach Bernd Schuster has said that the reigning Spanish champions need a player with the qualities of Ballack, 30, who had a disappointing first season with Chelsea after moving from Bayern Munich last year.

But the midfielder who played no part in Chelsea's defeat to Manchester United on penalties in the Community Shield on Sunday, issued a strong denial that he was interested in move to Real.

"I am totally committed to Chelsea," he told the club's website.

"I came here to win trophies and be successful in English football, I want to assure the Chelsea fans of that.

"I am very happy in London professionally and for my family. The speculation about me leaving is not true.

"I have no interest in leaving Chelsea and I have had no contact with Real Madrid whatsoever. I am frustrated by my injury at the moment but I am working hard to be fit and hope to be back very soon to join my team-mates."