Milan join Ballack bidding war

[GilAttack [11]]

PER CHANNEL4:

Michael Ballack will be a free agent at the end of the season and Milan have joined Manchester United, Real Madrid and Inter in the race to sign him.

The German international’s current deal with Bayern Munich expires in the summer and he has already stated his intention to move abroad.


Europe’s biggest clubs are queuing up to sign the 29-year-old on a free transfer to strengthen their midfields and, according to German newspaper ‘Bild’, Milan are the latest addition to that list.


It’s claimed that rivals Inter have the upper hand following a meeting between director Gabriele Oriali, Bayern President Karl-Heinz Rumenigge and agent Becker, which is said to have taken place earlier this week.


Patron Massimo Moratti is eager to capture this prestigious signing, as the current Inter squad is struggling in Serie A and has fallen off the Scudetto pace.


With Juan Sebastian Veron threatening to return to Argentina as early as January, that makes it even more important that the Nerazzurri find a replacement.


However, Milan are now making their own bid for Ballack, further strengthening one of Europe’s best midfields.


:drool:

[hitmannq8]

Rumours, no different that Vieri off to La Liga rumours

[GilAttack [11]]

Yes, Gila to Milan was a rumour some time ago as well....so what? We have to talk about something other than Vieri!

:coffee:

[slicknick]

Actually I would like to see Ballack play for Milan

[hwmook]

Actually I would like to see Ballack play for Milan

well i don't mind him but i am definitely not a fan of him. not really a great player IMO, just a good player.

[Arildonardo]

Ballack is a very good player, but he has to stop all the whining and diving that he does all the time. If we could get him for free, why not? :5schal:

[mrki]

I think club like Milan can do better if we want to really fire up our CM.

[K77SH C]

I saw Diarra come on as a sub for France yesterday, only twenty minutes. Before that point Ballack was controlling th midfield, but then Diarra made a huge impact. Diarra is young and would be a much better signing than Ballack.

[hitmannq8]

Ballack will not come to Milan if he is not guaranteed a first-team spot. Where will he play? I cannot see one player that Ballack can take first-team spot from. Seedorf is so essential to our tactics and style of play, he must not be subbed. Pirlo? We all know how important. Gattuso? If he is in bad form we have Ambrosini.

The only way I see Ballack in our starting eleven is when Carlo changes formation to a very useful one in my opinion:

Stam -- Nesta -- Maldini
Cafu/(New right winger) -- Pirlo -- Ballack/Seedorf -- Jankulovski
Kaka
Sheva -- Gila

But Ancelotti does not want to even try the 3man defence any more, so I really dont think we will be going for Ballack.

[Dr Milano]

Ballack will not come to Milan if he is not guaranteed a first-team spot. Where will he play? I cannot see one player that Ballack can take first-team spot from. Seedorf is so essential to our tactics and style of play, he must not be subbed. Pirlo? We all know how important. Gattuso? If he is in bad form we have Ambrosini.

The only way I see Ballack in our starting eleven is when Carlo changes formation to a very useful one in my opinion:

Stam -- Nesta -- Maldini
Cafu/(New right winger) -- Pirlo -- Ballack/Seedorf -- Jankulovski
Kaka
Sheva -- Gila

But Ancelotti does not want to even try the 3man defence any more, so I really dont think we will be going for Ballack.i hope he does
just play 4 - 4 - 2 its a great formation although english teams mainly use it so it may not suit italian team tactics

------------------------------- Dida -------------------------------------

---- Cafu ------------- Stam ------------Nesta ---------- Maldini--------


------------ Ballack ---------- Pirlo ------------Seedorf ----- Jankulovski


---------------------Gilardino----------Shevchenko ........ its not bad with a full strength team like that

[hitmannq8]

i hope he does
just play 4 - 4 - 2 its a great formation although english teams mainly use it so it may not suit italian team tactics

------------------------------- Dida -------------------------------------

---- Cafu ------------- Stam ------------Nesta ---------- Maldini--------


------------ Ballack ---------- Pirlo ------------Seedorf ----- Jankulovski


---------------------Gilardino----------Shevchenko ........ its not bad with a full strength team like that


And ur supposing Kaka is benched right?

[meazza]

Ballack will not come to Milan if he is not guaranteed a first-team spot. Where will he play? I cannot see one player that Ballack can take first-team spot from. Seedorf is so essential to our tactics and style of play, he must not be subbed. Pirlo? We all know how important. Gattuso? If he is in bad form we have Ambrosini.

The only way I see Ballack in our starting eleven is when Carlo changes formation to a very useful one in my opinion:

Stam -- Nesta -- Maldini
Cafu/(New right winger) -- Pirlo -- Ballack/Seedorf -- Jankulovski
Kaka
Sheva -- Gila

But Ancelotti does not want to even try the 3man defence any more, so I really dont think we will be going for Ballack.

why say he won't get in the team because of Gattuso and Ambro and then suggest a formation that excludes both?

[nefremo]

In my oppinion Balack is a player that can play anywhere in the midfield exept on the wings, which we do not use anyway exept for the wing-backs. So i would welcome Balack as he can replace any of the starting four midfielders and that is including Kaka. I think he would add great depth to our squad and our midfield will be packed. Someone ofcourse will have to leave in expence and I am affraid it will be Vogel or Ambrosini. Some said it however that he would not come without a starting spot. But then again, what team in today's world offers starting spots???
I would love to see Balack in Milan. Balack,Seedorf,Gattuso,Pirlo,Kaka,Rui?,Vogel/Ambro! All i have to say is WOW. All those who think that Balack is just a good player.....think again. He is a world class midfielder and one of the best 10. He IS Germany and he IS Bayern. I just hope we get him. I guess I explained myself how much I want him there. :D

[hitmannq8]

why say he won't get in the team because of Gattuso and Ambro and then suggest a formation that excludes both?

The formation I suggested is one that I think would be most useful if we did get Ballack, but I dont think that Ballack will replace any of Gattuso/Ambro in the current 4-3-1-2 formation.

[Warro Bantan]

Some said it however that he would not come without a starting spot. But then again, what team in today's world offers starting spots???

Man U would surely offer him a starting role, and so would Madrid, who would bench Baptista, or Garcia in a heartbeat to start the German international.

I am not sure I would want him in Milan, to be honest. While I agree that he is an excellent player, it begs the question, as has been asked: For whom would he start?

It is easy to say Gattuso, but Ballack isnt that sort of player, who runs tirelessly for the team...Seedorf? Seedorf does need some competition for his starting spot, but an inform Clarence to me, is more valuable than a Ballack...(cue the disbelief from Ballack fans, and Seedorf critics)....

That being said, with Marek and Vogel on the bench, we have sufficient depth, and to add to that, for me, is overkill.

So, yes I like Ballack, but he wont be guaranteed the starting spot he would most likely desire, and as such, I dont think he will opt for Milan.

[GilAttack [11]]

Ballack > Seedorf

IMO.

[zlatanov]

IMO Ballack can play in any role in midfield, including sometimes behind the strikers too. I think some people are missing on the whole point of having a deep squad yet one full of quality, which is the only reason why Milan would be going after the German Int'l or any other quality player. The point of getting Ballack is not to bench one of Gattuso, Pirlo, Seedorf, or Kaka but to make sure that in every game the coach can rely on inform players, who he can trust, players unlike Brocchi, Dhorasoo, etc, who warmed the bench simply because Carlo didn't feel comfortable trusting them and prefered to play out of form and tired Seedorf, Pirlo, or Gattuso.
A team like Milan plays 60-65 competitive games a season, not counting another 10 or so international games, which half of our players, most of whom regulars in the squad, also take part in. Well, in how many of these games do we see all three of Seedorf, Gattuso, and Pirlo in very good to top form, all of them at the same time. I would say 15-20 but even that would be pushing it. Reality is that throughout a long season players go in and out of shape over periods of time and it's far from uncommon when 2 out of those 3 above more or less "suck" - or are average at best - in a good number of games. Adding quality players like Ballack (and hopefully Diarra too), would make it much easier for the coach to field an inform squad for the chance that 6-7 out of 8-9 possible starters (Pirlo, Seedorf, Gattuso, Janku, Sergio, Ambro, Ballack, Vogel, and maybe Diarra) will be out of shape or injured, at the same time, is acceptably low. And with 60-65 game to be played, everyone would be able to get a more than fair share of games under his belt, including Vogel.

[GilAttack [11]]

IMO Ballack can play in any role in midfield, including sometimes behind the strikers too. I think some people are missing on the whole point of having a deep squad yet one full of quality, which is the only reason why Milan would be going after the German Int'l or any other quality player. The point of getting Ballack is not to bench one of Gattuso, Pirlo, Seedorf, or Kaka but to make sure that in every game the coach can rely on inform players, who he can trust, players unlike Brocchi, Dhorasoo, etc, who warmed the bench simply because Carlo didn't feel comfortable trusting them and prefered to play out of form and tired Seedorf, Pirlo, or Gattuso.
A team like Milan plays 60-65 competitive games a season, not counting another 10 or so international games, which half of our players, most of whom regulars in the squad, also take part in. Well, in how many of these games do we see all three of Seedorf, Gattuso, and Pirlo in very good to top form, all of them at the same time. I would say 15-20 but even that would be pushing it. Reality is that throughout a long season players go in and out of shape over periods of time and it's far from uncommon when 2 out of those 3 above more or less "suck" - or are average at best - in a good number of games. Adding quality players like Ballack (and hopefully Diarra too), would make it much easier for the coach to field an inform squad for the chance that 6-7 out of 8-9 possible starters (Pirlo, Seedorf, Gattuso, Janku, Sergio, Ambro, Ballack, Vogel, and maybe Diarra) will be out of shape or injured, at the same time, is acceptably low. And with 60-65 game to be played, everyone would be able to get a more than fair share of games under his belt, including Vogel.

All nice but you cant have guys like Seedorf or Ballack sitting on the bench when they could be starting for other big clubs. See Real, for example, that had to sell Owen because the guy actually wanted to play "regular" minutes.

When you have that many starts sooner or later you have problems off the field that can translate on the pitch. Would Seedorf accept giving his starting role to Ballack without whining or asking for a move? Would Ballack accept coming here without being asured he will be a centerpiece of this club?

Its not that easy. Obviously there would be minutes for Ballack, Seedorf, Pirlo, Rui, Kaka and co. between league play and champions league (and Copa Italia, etc), but....

[zlatanov]

That's true but after all, with proper rotatio and when you have quality players rotation is much easier for the coach, they would be getting 25-30 games for Milan alone, which isn't far from the perfect number of games a player should play in without getting too tired. 10-15 years ago top players would play 30-35 games per season, if they managed to avoid any long term injuries, and it was much easier for them to be in top shape. Now regular starters are expected to be in top shape in 60 games, not including internationals, and the expectations are higher than ever due to the enormous amounts of money circulating in modern football.
Another important factor is how the team is doing in terms of success. If we manage to stay on top and be competitive on all fronts, team spirit will be high and players will be happier too, they would feel part of something important. While in Real's and Inter's case lack of success brings team and individual player moral down and then every little "discomfort" becomes a huge problem - Adriano's missed plane adventures is a good example.
In Owen's case the guy started like 10 low profile games for the whole year, apart from that he was used as a 10 min sub for the rest of the games he featured in, even when other players like Ronaldo, Raul, and others HEAVILY underperfomed. It's a miracle that a tallanted and young player like Owen didn't ask to be transfered during the winter break given the obvious lack of trust from his coach combined with the favoring of other established but badly out of shape players - something, having a wide and full of quality squad, will allow Carlo to avoid.

[nefremo]

I do not think that Real Madrid or Man Utd will offer Ballack a starting spot. However, it might be Balack that will feel more comfortable of gaining a starting spot in these teams. I repeat....NO TEAM offers starting spots. At least not the BIG clubs. I do not wanna act like I own a team and I know what exactly is going on, but if you think about it, why would you promise someone a starting spot and then that same person does not even give a 100% because he knows that he is starting. It is just stupid, and i do not think that Ferguson or Real Madrid is that stupid to just offer Ballack the field. I agree with Zlatanov about the depth and the ammount of games played per season. If Ballack comes, then we will have a cracking midfield. THE best in the world without an argument. However, if Ballack is affraid of a little competition, then perhaps his place is at Manchester anyway.

[GilAttack [11]]

I know that when things are going well, all looks pretty and everyone around the clubhouse is happy. But every single team has ups and downs during such a long season, so problems are expected. Maybe if you get the right guys, with the right character and determination, you can have many egos around. To be sincere, I dont know about Ballack or Seedorf determination, or their willingness to give up something (for example, playing time and spotlight) for something else (team achievements, etc). Today it seems athletes put themselves over the team, they come first.

But a good point, as you said before, is that Ballack can play multiple positions so we are not talking Seedorf for Ballack. Today you sit Pirlo, and then you rotate Gattuso, and then Ballack and so on....I think he would be a very nice addition. You are not buying a right midfielder (for ej), you are buying a world class talent that can play almost anywhere on the team's midfield.

[Milan3869]

ballack is going to man utd were he will get the most playing time out of all the clubs interested. i dont think milan are even interested in him....so no need to waste time in this thread!!

[zlatanov]

and your sources are?
he might get more playing time at ManU but he will always play a second violin to Chelski in the EPL. Ballack has always said that his dream is winning the CL and if he wants to achieve this, ManU is the last place he would go of all the clubs interested. FCS, even Inter has a better shot at winning the CL than ManU. Manu needs a major overhaul in order to become even contenders for the EPL title let alone for the CL and this will take some time, something Ballack doesn't have in abundance for he would be 30 yo at the beginning of next season.
Right now, and probably for the next several years it would be true too, leaving Bayern for ManU would be a step back in his career. There are very few clubs in Europe who could be considered better and more prestigious than Bayern with better chances of winning titles, and ManU is not among them.
If all that mattered to him was playing time then why leave Bayern in the first place - he is getting plenty of it there too ... coupled with a far better shot at winning the CL than he would have at ManU.

[slicknick]

I feel like he is gonna choose either Manchester United or Real Madrid

[mk18]

i feel its gonna be us or man utd... i think manure would look to spend big on him since he is what they really need, but milan offer the glory to him, he wont be benched and like zlatanov said, he will get his chances the way everyone does, hes one of the worlds best midfielders because unlike so many he can play absolutley everywhere, hes as good if not better than lampard and gerrard and i doubt anyone would say no to him

i hope we get him and i feel we will be fighting for him in the end!

[Nirvana FC]

i feel its gonna be us or man utd...
My feeling is that he is going to play for us or Real. And I am pretty sure he will never play for Juventus, Inter or Manchester due to the fact that they are sponsored by Nike.
If we can get Gallas we will have two world class players for absolutely nothing!

[Warro Bantan]

I do not think that Real Madrid or Man Utd will offer Ballack a starting spot. However, it might be Balack that will feel more comfortable of gaining a starting spot in these teams. I repeat....NO TEAM offers starting spots. At least not the BIG clubs.

On the contrary my friend, I think that both would, moreso Real, and here is why I think so:

I would like to refer you to McMannaman´s recent book, detailing his times at Real Madrid. While I maintain that Real are a club of gentlemen that is run by little boys, they are undoubtedly one of, if not the worlds "biggest" club.

In his book, he shows how Raul, Zidane, Figo and later on Beckham, were "must starters", despite being slightly injured. There is one famous incident where he relates how Adidas, unhappy that their big name "signing", Beckham, was on the bench up to half-time, called Peres, and Peres called the coach, and viola, Beckham was introduced, a few minutes into the second half.

While this may not obtain in other clubs, it certainly did while McMannaman was at Real, and I see no reason to believe that things have changed overmuch under Luxemburgo´s reign.

I cannot extrapolate this scenario to any other club, but I am sure that Junhino for Lyon, Sheva for Milan, and dare I say Ballack for Bayern are all "MUST" starters...as long as they are fit. I wont get carried away and suggest that they MUST start even if injured, as we clearly saw with Sheva coming off the bench vs PSV due to a heel injury he had sustained in the first leg, and only because we were desparate to get back into the match.

Looking at Man Us midfield, it is obvious that Ballack would start every game, once fit. There is simply no one in their middle (Smith is a glaring example) that can play over the German international.

So, he is, IMO guaranteed a starting spot at both Real and Man U, though I think he would opt for the former.

As for him coming to Milan, after reading Zlat´s post, I am in agreement that his arrival would turn up the heat a notch or two for our middle, keeping everyone on their toes, and enabling complete rotation, without much loss in quality, if any at all.

That being said, I still have my doubts that he will opt for Milan, though I wouldnt be overly surprised if he does come in the summer.

[zlatanov]

My feeling is that he is going to play for us or Real. And I am pretty sure he will never play for Juventus, Inter or Manchester due to the fact that they are sponsored by Nike.
If we can get Gallas we will have two world class players for absolutely nothing!
The sponsor factor is a very, very interesting and valid point taht should not be overlooked, although it often is.
As for Gallas, I think he has at least one more year of his contract left - somewhere I read he has even two, but I think it's just one - so, we won't be able to get him for free next summer.

[Warro Bantan]

From channel4.com:

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/nov15b.html

Bayern end Ballack talks Tuesday 15 November, 2005

Bayern Munich have withdrawn their offer to extend Michael Ballack’s contract, it emerged today.

Bayern, who now stand to lose their prized midfielder for nothing in the summer, have called their star man’s bluff as he has dallied for too long on deciding upon his future.

"We have withdrawn our offer," announced club Chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.

"We had agreed that he would give us an answer in four weeks. He has told us that he still hasn’t decided and so we have acted accordingly."

This is a bold move by the Bavarian club, who obviously feel that such a step might convince Ballack to have a change of heart and come knocking back at Bayern’s door cap in hand - rather than continue to play other interested clubs off against each other.

"It is not certain that he will leave," added Rummenigge. "But we are already looking into the transfer market."

Real Madrid, Juventus, Inter and Manchester United are all in the race to sign the 29-year-old, but the Spanish giants are already hinting that they do not want the player who rejected them three years ago.

Real executive Ernesto Bronzetti said yesterday that the Spanish giants have too many attacking players as it is.

Well this sure ups the ante!

[hitmannq8]

Galliani (acmilan.club) said we are not interested in Ballack today.

[GilAttack [11]]

Milan have insisted that Bayern Munich captain Michael Ballack is not on their transfer wish-list.

The Rossoneri are one of numerous clubs linked with the German international, who will be available on a free transfer in the summer.

Vice-President Adriano Galliani admits that he admires the midfielder, but insists he won’t be joining the outfit after the World Cup Finals.

"Ballack is a great player, but he doesn’t interest Milan," Galliani told the club’s website on Thursday.

"That is because we already have players like Kaka and Manuel Rui Costa in his role, men who we have total faith in."

It’s unclear at this stage which shirt Ballack will be wearing next term after extension talks with Bayern collapsed.

The likes of Chelsea, Manchester United, Inter and Juventus have been associated even if Franz Beckenbauer believes Ballack should go elsewhere.

"Much as I want him to stay, I feel he will probably leave," stated the Bayern Munich President. "If he does, the decision only makes sense if he goes to Real Madrid.

"I know United and Milan are also in the hunt, but Michael will only be improving himself by going to Madrid. Anywhere else and it will not be a step up."

Milan have also been linked with Arsenal defender Lauren and Barcelona sensation Ronaldinho today.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Hahaha, we are not going to make a move for Ballack because we have Rui....tell me you didnt take that seriously. Thats like saying we wont be signing Henry or Toni or Cassano (examples) because we have Vieri.
Plus as we said before, it isnt Ballack or Kaka if the german were to come here.
I think Milan are going to attempt signing him....not that they will land him, but they will explore the situation.

[hitmannq8]

They are considering him for the Tetraquartista(sp) role, i dont know why they dont see it that he can play anywhere in midfield.

and Rui is better than him in the tetraquartista role btw

[GilAttack [11]]

Rui isnt better than Ballack in any role....

[mrki]

ballack cant play AM at milan becouse we have the great kaka' ! He can play in place of seedorf only, and vhn seedorf is in form he is better that ballack! But I like the last sentance from channel 4..... milan are going for brasilian sensation..... We all know what Berlusconi really wants, and maybe, just maybe he can somehow do it... But still im not for ballack , we can do better to really refresh our midfield, we are MILAN!

[zlatanov]

What really puzzles me is that certain people still believe Galliani's, or Braida's, or Moggi's words. How could you possibly take their words for granted when they have lied/decieved fans and media on a regular basis for ... I don't know how many years.
Of course he is gonna deny any involvement - outright denial is the ABC of sending others on a wild goose chase. Also, if he acknowledges that Milan are interested in Ballack or anyone else, so early in the season, this is just another way of saying that some of the current Milan players are a surplus and will be let go next year. What effect do you think something like that would have on them?
As for Ballack in Rui's role, if we get Ballack I am pretty sure he will hardly ever play in Kaka's or Rui's role so such a statement from Galliani is probably just another smokescreen for the media ... plus, something tells me that this would be Rui's last season with us - I would be greatly surprised if he remains for yet another season at Milan and doesn't opt for going to Benfica after the WC this summer.

[Dr Milano]

And ur supposing Kaka is benched right?
hell no i forget him lol i see your point though thier is no room for him

[mk18]

theres are alot of room for him... what happens if seedorf has a bad next year? same with gattuso, wouldnt u bang ur head to see him leave when u couldve had him for free?!

[hitmannq8]

wouldnt u bang ur head to see him leave when u couldve had him for free?!


Very true and alot to think about

[Dil dil]

ilan dismiss Ballack move
17.11 || webmaster || $source

Source: Football Italia

Milan have insisted that Bayern Munich captain Michael Ballack is not on their transfer wish-list.

The Rossoneri are one of numerous clubs linked with the German international, who will be available on a free transfer in the summer.

Vice-President Adriano Galliani admits that he admires the midfielder, but insists he won’t be joining the outfit after the World Cup Finals.

"Ballack is a great player, but he doesn’t interest Milan," Galliani told the club’s website on Thursday.

"That is because we already have players like Kaka and Manuel Rui Costa in his role, men who we have total faith in."

It’s unclear at this stage which shirt Ballack will be wearing next term after extension talks with Bayern collapsed.

The likes of Chelsea, Manchester United, Inter and Juventus have been associated even if Franz Beckenbauer believes Ballack should go elsewhere.

"Much as I want him to stay, I feel he will probably leave," stated the Bayern Munich President. "If he does, the decision only makes sense if he goes to Real Madrid.

"I know United and Milan are also in the hunt, but Michael will only be improving himself by going to Madrid. Anywhere else and it will not be a step up."

Milan have also been linked with Arsenal defender Lauren and Barcelona sensation Ronaldinho today.

[The Canadian]

yeah I found it funny how he says we have Rui Costa, but they never use him!

[ARIO]

Keane kicked out....and Ballack is more and more closer to United.....

[Warro Bantan]

He will prob go to the ManUGlazierSox...and while I would have liked him to come, somehow, I dont see myself crying at night if he actually doesnt arrive.(I no longer really believe anything clubs say until the player holds up a shirt with his name on it, with the club president or some such club official)

To buy into the article above posted by Dil dil, in looking for a replacement for Rui Costa, which we will need to do for the near future, I think, as we did with Kaka, we should go for youth and a talent level comparable to that of our Brazilian star, enabling real rotation without any significant depreciacion in attacking capability.

Not too many candidates jumping off the shelf right now...are they?

Ballak for all his attributes, doesnt match my criteria for such a player, and as Seedorf´s ultimate replacement...well, there maybe.

But again, no staying await at night with a tear stained pillow because he goes to the Glaizerdome.

[K77SH C]

Lets go shopping in Lyon this Christmas :diablo:

[zlatanov]

Lets go shopping in Lyon this Christmas :diablo:
would love that with Diarra and Revelliere topping the list and maybe even JP as the cherry on the cake :de3:
IMO, this is Rui's last year with us and I personally would love to see Rosicky come to Milan.
Mascherano also deserves more than a closer look if can't get Ballack or Helguera for free. The argentinian won't come cheap though plus Roman has his finger in that honey pot too.

[slicknick]

With Keane released by Man Utd, Ballack seems like he is heading towards Manchester over the X-Mas Break. TAKE MY WORD ON THIS!!!

[Theoren]

I agree whit Warro, we can promise Ballack a first team spot but we CAN`T keep the promise. Ballack would be a good suptitute player for Pirlo :)

Ballack is a very good player but I hate his divings. And he dives a lot!!!!!!

[GilAttack [11]]

Duscher will replace Keane at ManU, not Ballack. Not saying they wont add Ballack, but saying that Keane departure means Ballack in red is wrong.

[slicknick]

']Duscher will replace Keane at ManU, not Ballack.

Duscher to Man Utd? Interesting, any sources?

[Dr Milano]

Duscher to Man Utd? Interesting, any sources?
i aint heard about it and mate if its Tribal football dont dare post it

[GilAttack [11]]

No, I read it on Marca.es and As (both spanish newspapers).

[GilAttack [11]]

So Ballack might sign with Real Madrid after all....that is what the spanish press reports. His agent denied it, but....

[GilAttack [11]]

Channel4 reporting ManU dropped out from the Ballack sweepstakes as I said before.
And with Veron leaving Inter at years end, or in june, they are the frontrunners IMO.

[zlatanov]

Unless Ballack is a suicidal masochist, I don't see him going to Inter. And why on earth would he leave Bayern to go to Inter - success and careerwise, that would be like two steps backwords. One of the main reasons why he's leaving Bayern is because he wants to win the CL i.e. go to a club that is more successful and has a better shot at winning CL than the Bavarian giants. Does Inter fit this description? Guess not, they are far from it. Same goes for ManU - they will need several years to build a squad that could be competitive to CHelski in EPL and Europe, and Ballack would be 30 next summer i.e. time isn't on his side and he can't afford to be patient.
This greatly decreases the number of possible alternatives - Milan, Juve, Real, Chelski, Barca. Juve and Chelski are more than covered in that erea. Barca too and they are are a team heavily influenced by Nike - the major rival of Adidas, Ballack's personal sponsor. Which leaves Milan and Real - the heavywights among all Adidas sponsored clubs, along with Bayern M.
IMO, Real has been all along Milan's biggest rival to Ballack's signature, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him go there given their fragile midfield, which will offer more 1st team chances for the German ... and Franz Beckenbauer has always recommended Ballack joining Real over any other team in Europe.

[Stezagud]

Gilattack is right, Utd have decided that Ballack is too attacking and that Rooney's deep role already covers the area he'd play. Duscher and Zokora are the names being mentioned most to come in as defensive midfielders.

Its now down to Real, and whoever wants to challenge them for him.

[Warro Bantan]

Unless Ballack is a suicidal masochist, I don't see him going to Inter. :haha:
And why on earth would he leave Bayern to go to Inter - success and careerwise, that would be like two steps backwords. One of the main reasons why he's leaving Bayern is because he wants to win the CL i.e. go to a club that is more successful and has a better shot at winning CL than the Bavarian giants. Does Inter fit this description? Guess not, they are far from it. Same goes for ManU - they will need several years to build a squad that could be competitive to CHelski in EPL and Europe, and Ballack would be 30 next summer i.e. time isn't on his side and he can't afford to be patient.

Well said, but its funny, Bayern have an excellent team this year, and could go all the way, and I would love to see him pull an "Owen"..ie leave the club to increase your chances of a UCL trophy, then the club you have left, turns around and wins the damn thing! :devs:

This greatly decreases the number of possible alternatives - Milan, Juve, Real, Chelski, Barca. Juve and Chelski are more than covered in that erea. Barca too and they are are a team heavily influenced by Nike - the major rival of Adidas, Ballack's personal sponsor. Which leaves Milan and Real - the heavywights among all Adidas sponsored clubs, along with Bayern M.
IMO, Real has been all along Milan's biggest rival to Ballack's signature, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him go there given their fragile midfield, which will offer more 1st team chances for the German ... and Franz Beckenbauer has always recommended Ballack joining Real over any other team in Europe. If we are to believe Galliani aka Uncle Festor, then we are not intrested in the German international...which ultimately leaves Madrid...where I personally believe he will be going, and sooner rather than later. Expect Gravesen or Pablo Garcia (my money is on the Dane) to be in the shop window shortly....

[GilAttack [11]]

Gravesen could be back in England soon.

I know there are many differences between Inter and Real, but Real Madrid isnt Juventus either (as far as trophies goes) as of late. No UCL, no Liga titles....they are a mess. And Barcelona is getting stronger everyday and they look as the team to beat over the next decade in Spain. I wouldnt be too excited to join Real, or Inter for that matter.

BUt while Inter wears Nike, Real has the 3 stripe mark....and some believe that could be a factor.

Milan is one of his best options, and to tell you the truth, I dont believe for one second that we wont be making a push for him.

[mk18]

come to think of it, real might be even more favorites since zidane is showing signs of ageing and with the poor DM they have ballack would be a perfect signing for them, also hed bring in alot of money from shirt sales, and that to real is like winning the CL

[GilAttack [11]]

come to think of it, real might be even more favorites since zidane is showing signs of ageing and with the poor DM they have ballack would be a perfect signing for them, also hed bring in alot of money from shirt sales, and that to real is like winning the CL

With this crisis hitting Real Madrid, its imperative they add some serious talent. Ballack will be one of them IMO. And the shirt sales factor is true, even Real's president once said he would rather sell their stadium than Beckham. Nuff said.

[GilAttack [11]]

Bayern Vice President: "Its either Real or Chelsea for MB"

[hitmannq8]

Ive never remembered Galliani lieing. The only time he said something that wasnt true is when he said JDT and Dhorasoo will be staying for this season but they left 2 weeks later. Dhorasoo was a different case that Galliani could not control, he wanted to leave and was desperate for first-team football. But with JDT, our management thought that Vieri will have a good season - because he plays well at every World Cup season (wtf?).. I still remember Braida saying This year will be Vieri's year and not Gilardino's. Maybe Galliani is saying the truth! He did say we will not go into the January market though :(

[K77SH C]

when doesnt Galliani lie :firedev:

[Warro Bantan]

when doesnt Galliani lie :firedev:

In his sleep? :D

[mk18]

when doesnt Galliani lie :firedev:
when theres a family dinner ...










... mafioso :D

[RIO]

Nope at family dinners he has been known to tell the little cugini that there is no more risotto left when he damn well knows that he's got half a pan left. He just can't help himself...

[mk18]

HAHAHA lol :haha: