Chelsea have confirmed today that stars Joe Cole and Michael Ballack are to leave the club now that their contracts at the club have expired.
The midfielders future has been the subject of speculation for some time now, as both have endured a stop-start season in Chelsea’s historic double-winning campaign, and both found their contract renewal talks stalling.
Joe Cole has found starts limited under new boss Carlo Ancelotti since coming back from injury. Despite the Chelsea manager’s insistence that Cole was very much in his plans a few months ago, former West Ham man Cole has opted to leave the Stamford Bridge.
Balllack was brought in on a free transfer during a 2006 Chelsea spending spree that also saw Andrey Schevchenko brought to the club and has since offered 136 appearances and 25 goals to the Chelsea cause.
Whilst Ballack’s potential suitors are keeping their hands close to their chest – Joe Cole has many potential admirers with Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur leading the chase for the creative midfielder’s signature.
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