Chelsea release Joe Cole and Michael Ballack
Chelsea have released both Joe Cole and Michael Ballack. Both players were in the final year of their deals, and the club has confirmed they will not be offering them new contracts.
Cole has been variously linked with a move to Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester United, but at the weekend Chelsea announced they would do everything to keep hold of Cole by offering him a new deal. However, it is understood the 28-year-old wanted a pay-rise of £30,000 a week on his current weekly wage of £80,000, and Chelsea were not willing to pay this.
A statement on Chelsea’s website read: “Chelsea Football Club can confirm that Joe Cole will be leaving the club upon the expiration of his contract at the end of this month. It brings to an end Joe's seven-year stay at Stamford Bridge, and we would like to thank him for his dedicated years of service and wish him well in his future career.”
Yesterday Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp revealed he will talk to Cole to bring him to White Hart Lane, while last week it was reported that Arsenal were leading the chase to land the England playmaker.
Cole played for England in their last warm-up match against Platinum Stars on Monday, and has insisted he will decide his future until after the World Cup.
Cole failed to win his place back in the starting eleven at Chelsea after ten months out through injury, and was unable to make an impression on Carlo Ancelotti.
Meanwhile, Ballack will also be released. The 34-year-old, who will miss the World Cup with Germany after sustaining an injury in the FA Cup final win over Portsmouth, wanted a two-year contract, but Chelsea were only offering him a one-year deal.
The Germany captain arrived at Stamford Bridge in 2006, and it looks like he will return to Germany.
Both will officially be free agents on July 1st.
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