Ballack's national team career to end at Brazil friendly

By John Bagratuni Jun 16, 2011, 9:23 GMT

Berlin - Michael Ballack's Germany career is to end in an August friendly with Brazil as coach Joachim Loew doesn't plan to recall the captain for further games, the German football federation DFB said on Thursday.

Ballack, 34, last wore the national team shirt in March 2010. He missed the World Cup over an ankle injury. Another injury followed and Ballack has not been recalled by Loew who prefers younger players in a new-look German team.

The DFB said in the statement that the Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Ballack has been invited to make his Germany farewell in the August 10 friendly with record world champions Brazil.

A statement from Ballack, who wanted to continue playing until Euro 2012, was not available immediately.

The eastern German Ballack earned 98 caps and scored 42 goals since making his Germany debut in November 1999 in a 1-0 defeat against Scotland. His last match was a 1-0 defeat against Argentina in March 2010.

Ballack never won a big title with the team and missed the 2002 World Cup final against Brazil in Japan because of a suspension. He led Germany to third place at the 2006 home World Cup and second at Euro 2008.

'Michael Ballack was a very important team leader for a decade and played a major role in the big success of the team since the 2002 World Cup,' said Loew in the statement.

But Loew said the team has entered a new era with new players, with the third-place finish at the 2010 World Cup and a 7-0 record in Euro qualifying showing that the team can do well without Ballack.

'The past months have shown that many young players have entered the spotlight and have a good perspective. The development of the national team has been absolutely positive with them since the 2010 World Cup.

'I discussed the issue with Michael Ballack at our meeting in late March and in several telefon conversations. Now, ahead of the start into the Euro 2012 season, it is time to make a clear sttement.'

Loew said he believes that Ballack understood the position of the coach and expressed his hope that Ballack will play against Brazil and lead the team a final time.

'It is only natural for us to bid farewell to Michael Ballack as a national team player in an attractive way. We want to say a honest thank you to him for his service to German football,' said Loew.

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