Bernd Schuster has admitted he was shocked to be linked with a move for Michael Ballack after reports suggested that Chelsea have demanded €40m for the midfielder. 
The Spanish giants' coach claims that he talked about signing an offensive midfield player after the friendly against Stoke City at the weekend, but has not stated that he does not want his compatriot.
Media in England and Spain went into overdrive after it was reported that Schuster had openly requested that Madrid bid for the former Bayern Muncih star.
"I was very surprised myself," the trainer said. "I said one thing and it came out in the press as something completely different.
"At no time did I say that we should make an offer for Ballack, but I did say that we need to be looking at players in Europe that play like him.
"There is no interest in Ballack on our part."
The misquoted news saw speculation rise and talk of the Blues having to brace themselves for a mega-bid from Madrid soon materialised.
Chelsea have even been quoted as wanting €40m for the 31-year-old international, an amount, claim Marca, that los Merengues would never pay.
Not even worth 10m for his performance last season. I think Mikel worth even more than him.