The teenage son of former Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack has been killed in a quad bike crash.
Emilio Ballack, 18, was involved in the crash in Portugal and died just after 2am on Thursday, according to reports in local media.
Chelsea confirmed the news on Thursday afternoon, tweeting: Everybody associated with Chelsea Football Club is shocked and saddened to learn of the death of Emilio Ballack at the terribly young age of 18.
“All our thoughts are with his father Michael and his family at this sad time.”
Full details of the crash have not been released but it is believed to have happened in Troia, south of Lisbon, close to one of the retired footballer’s homes.
There has been an outpouring of support for the family on social media, with many Chelsea fans expressing their sympathy and support.
Ballack is widely regarded as one of Germany’s best-ever players.
He joined Chelsea for £18million in 2006 after making his name at Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich.
He went on to make 167 appearances for the club and left Stamford Bridge in 2010 after winning the Premier League and FA Cup with the club.
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