Michael Ballack's Germany career ends

By John Bagratuni Jun 16, 2011, 12:01 GMT

Berlin - Germany coach Joachim Loew ended months of speculation when he said that captain Michael Ballack is no longer needed in the national team.

Loew said in a statement issued on Thursday by the nation's football federation DFB that younger players have taken over, but that Ballack was invited to play one last game on August 10 against Brazil as a farewell match.

'I had the impression in our talks that Michael understands our point of view. An honest and clear decision is now appropriate, in the interest of everyone,' said Loew.

Ballack, who turns 35 in September and wanted to play on for Germany until Euro 2012, was yet to comment on the issue.

The Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Ballack made his Germany debut in 1999 and scored 42 goals in 98 caps. His last game was in March 2010 as he missed the World Cup over an ankle injury and was not recalled by Loew this year after overcoming another injury.

Germany had a strong run to third place at the World Cup with a new generation of players such as Mesut Oezil, Sami Khedira and Thomas Mueller, which raised questions about Ballack's future in the team. In addition, World Cup captain Philipp Lahm said he wanted to remain skipper.

Loew settled the issue by saying that Ballack was the official captain. However, a perfect record of seven wins in as many games in Euro 2012 qualifying seemingly convinced Loew he no longer needed Ballack, despite his merits.

Ballack never won an international title for club or country, coming second at Euro 2008 and third at the 2006 home World Cup. He helped Germany reach the 2002 World Cup final but was suspended for the decider against Brazil.

'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 the following games showing that the team can do well without Ballack, with Loew fielding Bastian Schweinsteiger, Khedira and Toni Kroos on his position in defensice midfield.

'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 and BFB general secretary Wolfgang Niersbach expressed their 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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