Ballack admits he could stay at Bayern
Wednesday, 16 November 2005 13:31Michael Ballack has insisted that he could still choose to stay at Bayern Munich when his contract expires - despite the club withdrawing their offer of a new deal.
The German captain has been at the centre of much speculation over his future, with Manchester United amongst the clubs being linked with a move for the 29-year-old midfielder.
But he has not closed the door completely on staying at the Allianz Arena when his contract expires in the summer, and admits he will take his time to weigh up all the options before deciding where to play from next season.
"I just want to have the opportunity to listen to other offers," he told Munich's Tz newspaper.
"I haven't turned Bayern down and it's always a possibility that I will choose Bayern."
However, fans of the Bavarian club are beginning to get annoyed with the saga, which began last summer, and are unhappy he has snubbed the biggest contract Bayern have ever offered.
"All this coming and going is beginning to get on people's nerves," admitted Bayern general manager Uli Hoeness.
After January 1, when Ballack is able to negotiate with other clubs, the scramble for his signature will begin with United, Real Madrid, Juventus and AC Milan believed to be interested.
