German international Michael Ballack denied money was the main reason he joined Premier League champions Chelsea. "The main reason to come to England and Chelsea was to play with a great team," the Germany captain told German newspaper Welt am Sonntag on Sunday. "Money and the chance to live in a city like London are additional factors." Ballack, who helped in Germany's 1-0 Euro 2008 qualifying win over the Republic of Ireland on Saturday, left Bayern Munich on a free transfer to join Chelsea. While Ballack was the star of Bayern Munich, he will have to settle into a team full of high profile players, something he says he is prepared to do. The German international has said he is looking for more than fame, and hopes to garner new titles this season. "I want to prove myself at Chelsea and be successful in the Premiership and the Champions League," Ballack said.
He was an idol at Bayern "A lot less people know me here than back in Germany but then again I have only just arrived," the 29-year-old player said. Still, the Ballack is adjusting slowly to life in London, and has admitted he had has not yet found a new house. "It really is something new for me. As a family it changed the day we left Germany and I am still living in a hotel," he said. "It is not that easy to find something in London. I know that London is expensive but I am a well paid footballer so I am lucky." According to the player, even his English is struggling as he works to connect with his teammates. Ballack admits the other foreigners on the team make for easier conversational companions, but he remains optimistic. "I already speak English but really need to improve. A few players speak with an accent and need to speak more slowly with me. I can understand the foreigners better as they speak more slowly.
