According to a report in The Sun newspaper, Chelsea striker Didier Drogba believes Germany captain Michael Ballack signed for the wrong club when he joined the Blues from Bayern Munich on a free transfer in summer 2006.
Drogba said: “It’s hard for Ballack at Chelsea because this club is special.
“I’m convinced he would have had a much easier time at Manchester United or Arsenal because they benefit from their well-balanced team — he would have been a better fit there.
“At Chelsea, we depend on our individuals. So, maybe Chelsea is not the right club for Ballack.”
Ballack, 31, was not even included on Chelsea's squad list for the Champions League, and Drogba admits it was a decidion that stunned the players.
The Ivorian reckons internal club politics were behind the surprising decision not to give Ballack - three-times voted German Player of the Year - a Champions League squad number, although the midfielder is currently recovering from ankle surgery.
Drogba said: “I was very surprised he was not nominated because he was one of our team leaders. Of course he still is a leader now.
“His experience and his strength in the air make him indispensable. But I don’t know what happened between him and the front office.”
Drogba also disagrees with critics who say the reason why Ballack was omitted is because he is too similar in style to fellow midfielder Frank Lampard.
“I believe that Ballack and Lampard can harmonise well. They have proved it a couple of times in the Champions League already," said Drogba.
“Against Barcelona and Porto [last season], both played fantastically. They are experienced and intelligent enough to play together.”
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