Voeller confident of Ballack return

(GSM) – Bayer Leverkusen seem confident of a return of out-of-contract midfielder Michael Ballack.

The 33-year-old midfielder had a three year stint with the Leverkusen giants, between 1999 and 2002, leading the club to a UEFA Champions League final in his last season, which they lost 2-1 after a superb goal from Real Madrid’s Zinedine Zidane.

Since then, Ballack has gone on to become a leading player on the world stage, but his contract with Premier League outfit Chelsea expired in June and was not renewed.

After Leverkusen he moved to Bayern München, while he also emerged as a key figure for the Germany national team.

Ballack was ruled out of this summer’s World Cup in South Africa though, as an ankle injury sustained in last season’s FA Cup final forced him to miss the tournament.

Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voeller is confident of tempting Ballack back to the BayArena, and says the club are willing to stretch their finances.

“We’ve already spoken to him and we’re ready to make an effort on the salary front,” he said.

“It is realistic to believe that Michael could return to Bayer.

“He knows the club, it was while he was playing here that he kick-started his superb international career.”

Leverkusen will be competing in the Europa League next term after finishing the last Bundesliga campaign in fourth.