Tragic news is emerging from Portugal today that Michael Ballack's 18-year-old son, Emilio, has been killed in a quad-bike accident.

According to reports in the Portuguese media, via a report in TalkSPORT, the accident occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Ballack owns a plot of land in Troia, Portugal, and the tragic accident is believed to have happened near to that plot.

The former midfielder, who is considered one of Germany's greatest ever players, purchased the plot several years ago and he and his family have often spent their summer holidays there.

Ballack made 98 appearances for Die Mannschaft in a lengthy and very successful career.

He also spent four years at Stamford Bridge in the blue of Chelsea, winning one Premier League title and three FA Cups.

The news has not yet been confirmed by the family, but the official Chelsea Twitter feed has issued a brief statement expressing their deepest sympathies for the Blues hero.

The statement reads as follows: 

"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."

More to follow...

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