Michael Ballack has been given an ultimatum by Jose Mourinho to make a decision whether he will join Chelsea before the World Cup begins.

Ballack has recently confirmed he is in "serious negotiations" with the Premiership champions, who look set to claim a second successive Premiership title and looks set to make a move from Bayern Munich.

Mourinho is full of praise for the 29-year-old midfielder but has now forced Ballack, who can leave on a free transfer in the summer, to make a quick decision.

The Chelsea manager told Germany's Bild am Sonntag newspaper: "He has got everything. I am impressed by his intelligence on the pitch.

"I have been watching him for a long time. I like him as a human being. But he needs to make a decision before the start of the World Cup."

Ballack, who was on target in Bayern Munich's 2-0 victory over Bielefeld on Saturday, was told by Mourinho what Ballack,could expect from a move to England.

"In England we have three matches a week," he added. "That's why we never practice twice a day. Normally we're just playing and travelling. It lets you tire fast."

Asked what he intends to do in 10 years from now, Mourinho added: "I would love to be national coach by then. But only in Portugal."

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