German captain, Michael Ballack, 31, made some notable appearances at the European Championships. Against neighbours Austria, he struck and converted a powerful free-kick, which was a contender for goal of the tournament up until that point.
His goal against Portugal also helped Germany eliminate the western Europeans from the tournament. His inclusion in Uefa's official team of the tournament also indicates a measure of the midfielder's efforts.
Because of this, the man who captains Chelsea in the absence of John Terry and Frank Lampard, was granted an extended break in order to recoup and start fresh for the new season.
However, the international, who has 87 caps to his name, told Chelsea's official website: "It is much harder to work on your own, but now I am with the team and I have extra sessions of my own with the fitness coach. In England you have no winter break so this [the summer rest] is the rest for the whole season - and you need this."
On raising his fitness again Ballack said: "I hope the body can make a quick recovery. The new fitness is not a problem because if you are one week early or late it is not so important, and there is little difference by the start of the season."
Comparing this summer's pre-season preparations to last, when Ballack was still nursing an ankle knock, the Blue said: " It's completely different, I didn't know when I would come back. I was injured and couldn't train with the team for months, so I am much happier now."
Chelsea's opening game of the season is against Portsmouth on August 17.
Author: Alan Dawson
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