A transfer that shaped the history of FC Bayern and almost turned out very differently: Michael Ballack has now revealed that he deliberately decided against Real Madrid and in favor of the German record champions in the summer of 2002
After an outstanding season with Bayer Leverkusen, Ballack was one of the most sought-after players in Europe at the time. The midfield star led the Werkself to the Champions League final and also played a leading role at the 2002 World Cup – the best prerequisites for a move to a top international club
As Ballack now revealed on Sky, he even had a concrete offer from Real Madrid at the time, but he decided against the royals – and in favor of FC Bayern
Hoeneß as a decisive factor
One person in particular was decisive for this decision: Uli Hoeneß. „It was a lot of Uli Hoeneß who convinced me at the time,“ explained Ballack looking back
The then Munich sporting director did everything in his power to bring the German international to Munich – with success. Ballack himself admitted that he was still susceptible to such influences at this stage of his career. „I was still relatively young and naturally susceptible to influence,“ said the now 49-year-old
In addition to Hoeneß‘ persuasive efforts, the prospect of the 2006 World Cup at home also played an important role. Ballack wanted to prepare optimally for the tournament at Germany’s biggest club – an argument that ultimately tipped the scales
Barcelona was also an issue later on
His move to FC Bayern was to pay off in sporting terms. In four years, Ballack won the German championship three times and the DFB Cup three times. In 157 competitive matches, he scored a strong 62 goals and developed into a central figure in Munich’s game
But he also remained in demand internationally during his time at FCB. Ballack revealed that a move to FC Barcelona was even on the cards in 2004. „We had problems with Bayern and were very far along – but that didn’t work out either,“ he explained
In the end, he stayed in Munich until 2006 before deciding to move to Chelsea FC after his contract expired. Ballack hinted that he deliberately wanted to avoid a return to Hoeneß: „I didn’t go back to Uli Hoeneß’s office – because I knew he had the ability to turn me around again.“
The story impressively shows the influence Hoeneß had on FC Bayern’s transfer policy – and how narrowly the Munich club could have missed out on one of the most important transfers in its recent history.