The Germany captain's contract expires at the end of the season and Chelsea are expected to offer the 32-year-old an extension that incorporates a lower salary and bigger bonuses.

Ballack has a one-year option on his contract and is thought to prefer a two-year deal but the midfielder claims he is completely relaxed about his situation.

The German underlined his importance to Chelsea with two goals against Ipswich today to help the Blues secure a place in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

His second goal was a superb free-kick from 20 yards that was eclipsed by a 35-yard wonder set-piece from Frank Lampard five minutes from time.

Speaking about his contract situation, Ballack insisted he is ready to pledge his future to the club for years to come.

"I am happy here, I feel very comfortable and very good," said Ballack.

"My situation is that we will speak in the next few weeks and I think we will find a way.

"As I said, I am happy here and I hope I can play a few more years here."

Ballack's desire to remain at Stamford Bridge will be a welcome boost to coach Luiz Felipe Scolari.

The player's decision to reveal his plans comes after Scolari's assistant first-team coach, Ray Wilkins, had spoken of the club's ambition to keep him at Stamford Bridge.

Ballack played through the pain barrier against Town after collecting a knock in training, and Wilkins said: "I would have thought Michael would be in our plans for next season.

"He's a top-quality player and that's what the club have been bringing in."

Ballack has taken time to return to his best form after surgery on both feet earlier in the season.

But the German's performance against Ipswich was among his best of the season, as Wilkins noted.

"He was very good in the game. Michael covers probably more ground than anybody else in our side," he added.

"When he goes forward he is extremely dangerous and the work he puts in for the team is untouchable."