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Future can wait as Ballack revels in the present

Future can wait as Ballack revels in the present

Former Germany captain Michael Ballack said Sunday he has given no thought to extending his contract at Bayer Leverkusen, which expires next June and is just enjoying playing regular football.

The 35-year-old has established himself as a first-team regular at Leverkusen after back-to-back injuries hampered his return from Chelsea in July last year and led to long stints on the bench as he regained his fitness.

Ballack has complained that the German media did not give him fair treatment after he recovered from an ankle injury in May 2010, then a fractured leg on only this third game back with Leverkusen in September the same year.

With his contract set to expire at the end of the season, Ballack said he is just focusing on playing well for Leverkusen, who drew 2-2 with Hamburg on Saturday in the German league, and will think about an extension later.

"I have had a difficult few months, where I was not always treated fairly, but I have accepted that," he told German television channel ZDF.

"I am enjoying my time in the league and I'm planning so far in advance.

"I am glad I am here and I feel good."