by Anton Johan
Michael Ballack's return to the German Soccer League - the Bundesliga - has seen betting odds change, with hopes that the soccer icon can bring the trophy to his old-new team, Bayer Leverkusen.
Ballack left Chelsea back to Leverkusen after suffering an ankle injury in a final appearance with the English team.
With his sights set on silver for Bayer this season, Ballack started a fifteen minute training session this week to get him fit enough to take part in his team's season opener on August 22nd.
Ballack rose to prominence with Leverkusen between 1999 and 2002, but his departure from the team was disappointing, capped by a defeat in the Champions League final.
However, Ballack seems to be back with an appetite to win - and win big.
"We want to win the league in the near future," he said of his return. "My ambitions are still very high. I have always been playing to win trophies over the last decade and we can do that with Bayer too."
Speaking of his team's chances, the 33 year old said: "Of course Bayern are the top favourites, but there is such great potential here in Leverkusen and we should also go a long way in Europe."
After spending four years in England, Ballack seemed almost relieved when his contract wasn't extended.
"As soon as I knew I was leaving Chelsea, our first thought was to return to Germany. That is our home and we are happy there. We should settle there for the future."
A number of German teams showed interest in Ballack, knowing that their chances in the Bundesliga would improve with a player of such high national status, however he decided to return to the club where he rose to prominence.
"My return to Bayer is the close of a circle for me," he wrote on the club's website. "I had a great and successful time here which I think back on with great pleasure. That played a role in my decision for Bayer."
