City, revelling in the financial backing of the Abu Dhabi United Group, smashed the British transfer record with their £32.5million move for the former Real Madrid player on deadline day.

Chelsea had started the day as firm favourites to sign Robinho, but City's wealthy new owners beat them to the deal.

Although Robinho started his City career in a promising way, with an early goal on debut against Chelsea, Ballack has queried the Brazilian's motives.

"It is up to each player what they do, but if I were him, I would not have gone to Manchester City," Chelsea's German midfielder told newspaper Tagesspiegel am Sonntag.

"A transfer from Real Madrid to Manchester City is hard to justify with sporting reasons."

Reflecting on his own career trajectory, Ballack added: "I certainly do have a good contract here, but my career progressed.

"I did not go from Chemnitz to Bremen, although I had an offer from them, but I went to Kaiserslautern, who had just been promoted because I saw more chances for me to play there.

"Then I went to Leverkusen and not to Bayern, where I also had a contract awaiting my signature.

"Then in 2002, I went to Bayern and not Real Madrid, although I had a lucrative offer from them. And now I am at Chelsea, an absolutely huge club in the best league in the world at the moment.

"I feel very happy with Chelsea and in the city of London and I would happily end my career here."

Although the Blues have spent heavily in the last few years - and were prepared to do so again on Robinho - Ballack praised the club's approach to developing homegrown players.

"This is a club which is growing," he said.

"Just look at our youth system and what is happening there. This club is creating a new tradition and it will enjoy lots of success.

"In 20 years' time I could say that I was at Chelsea and it is there that I ended my career."