The former Germany international joined the Blues from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich on a free transfer in 2006.

And while he was in west London he wrote his name into club folklore, playing a key role in Chelsea securing six trophies, including the Premier League title in 2010.

Chelsea and Arsenal went head-to-head 11 times over the course of Ballack’s spell in England.

And the retired midfielder has now offered his take on why Chelsea came out on top in six of those fixtures.

Ballack said: "They were always special games for me because Arsenal are a good club to be playing against but I always felt at that time we were mentally stronger and we were the better team.

"The statistics from that time show some good wins for us, but we also lost to them."

Chelsea take on Arsenal tomorrow off the back of a comfortable 6-0 win over Qarabag in the Champions League.

And Ballack explained how he thinks his old side are shaping up going into the derby match.

He said: "It was a difficult start, no one could expect a home defeat against Burnley, but they came back in shape immediately, and in the Champions League midweek it looked really good.

"The expectations are there. The different rhythm to the season is coming now with the Champions League but after a few months you will see how the team can handle that and I think on paper, Chelsea at home is the favourite this weekend. Hopefully they can get the three points.

"Now with Chelsea playing Arsenal this season, it is a situation where you can put a rival in trouble with a big victory, and I think the team and especially the fans are always excited when it comes to Chelsea v Arsenal."