Back in September we told you that Michael Ballack was having a whinge (shocking, we know) about the cost of houses in Britain. The Chelsea midfielder refused to pay £4 million for a mansion in Surrey he had his on eye on.
It seems the German has now decided that his £130,000 a week salary can withstand the hit and has purchased a £5.2 million mansion in Wimbledon. Why £5.2 million is more reasonable than £4 million we have know idea, but we do know that Chez Ballack is reported to be so big that there is an indoor fountain in the reception area! [Rob Parker]