Ballack booted
June 16, 2011
The international football career of Michael Ballack is officially over, German national team coach Joachim Löw confirmed on Thursday, ending months of speculation over the 34-year-old midfielder's playing future on the world stage.
The German Football Association (DFB) announced on its website that Ballack did not figure in Löw's plans for the Nationalelf, ending months of discussions over the former long-time national team captain's future role.
"The last few months have shown that many young players have stepped into the spotlight and have good prospects," Löw said in a statement.
"After several phone conversations with Michael it is now the time, before the start of the European championship [next year], to have a clear position," Löw added.
Ballack, who re-signed last season with Bayer Leverkusen eight years after having left the club, made 98 appearances for his country.
The former Chelsea midfielder - whose accolades include featuring in the Germany team that finished second in the 2002 World Cup as well as in the 2008 European Championships - netted 42 times for the national team in all competitions and friendlies.
Ballack's career has been marked by injury, consigning him to the sidelines for long spells throughout his 12 years in the national team. He has another year remaining on his contract with Leverkusen after missing a large chunk of the 2010-11 season due to a shin injury.
Author: Darren Mara
Editor: Susan Houlton