Ballack wants to stay at Chelsea

Ballack scored twice in Chelsea's 3-1 FA Cup win over Ipswich Town.Michael Ballack insists he wants to stay at Chelsea beyond his current contract that expires in the summer.

The 32-year-old has yet to commit to a new deal, expected to be a one-year extension with a lower salary and bigger performance bonuses.

But it is believed the German is hoping to sign a two-year deal.

“I am happy here,” he said. “We will speak in the next few weeks and I think we will find a way. I hope I can play a few more years.”

Chelsea assistant manager Ray Wilkins had earlier said that he was confident Ballack would commit to a new deal to stay at Stamford Bridge.

“I would have thought Michael would be in our plans for next season,” he said.

“He’s a top-quality player and that’s what the club have been bringing in.”

Ballack suffered an injury-hit start to this season but underlined his importance to Chelsea with two goals in their fourth round FA Cup win over Ipswich Town on Saturday.

He joined the club on a free transfer from Bayern Munich in 2006 and has scored 20 goals in 95 appearances.

BBC