Former Germany and Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack has retired from professional football at the age of 36. Ballack, who left Bayer Leverkusen at the end of last season, confirmed the news via a statement from his lawyer. In a glittering career, Ballack started out at Chemnitzer FC before playing for Kaiserslautern, Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich, and Chelsea, before once again returning to Leverkusen for two seasons to end his playing days.
"At 36 years old I can look back on a long and wonderful time in professional football, which I could never have dreamed of as a child," Ballack said.
"It was a privilege to work with world class coaches and fantastic players. Now I am looking forward to a new chapter in my life."
The midfielder won 98 caps for Germany, scoring 42 goals, during a career that saw him establish a reputation as one of Europe's finest players in his position.
In four seasons with Chelsea following his arrival at Stamford Bridge on a free transfer from Bayern Munich prior to the 2006 World Cup, Ballack won one Premier League title, three FA Cups and one League Cup.
He made 167 appearances for the West London club, scoring 26 times, but suffered disappointment in 2007-08 when Chelsea lost in the finals of the Champions League and League Cup, as well as finishing second in the league.
Ballack won his first Bundesliga title in 1998 when, following a move from Chemnitz FC, he helped Kaiserslautern become the first promoted side to win the league in their first season back in the top flight.
He was named German Footballer of the Year on three occasions and at international level represented Germany at Euro 2000, 2004 and 2008, and the 2002 and 2006 World Cups.
However, an injury suffered in the 2010 FA Cup final forced him to miss the following World Cup . Hope his new journey will lead him to the success. Please put your comments abot wonderful footballer
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| Michael Ballack |
"At 36 years old I can look back on a long and wonderful time in professional football, which I could never have dreamed of as a child," Ballack said.
"It was a privilege to work with world class coaches and fantastic players. Now I am looking forward to a new chapter in my life."
The midfielder won 98 caps for Germany, scoring 42 goals, during a career that saw him establish a reputation as one of Europe's finest players in his position.
 |
| Michael Ballack |
In four seasons with Chelsea following his arrival at Stamford Bridge on a free transfer from Bayern Munich prior to the 2006 World Cup, Ballack won one Premier League title, three FA Cups and one League Cup.
He made 167 appearances for the West London club, scoring 26 times, but suffered disappointment in 2007-08 when Chelsea lost in the finals of the Champions League and League Cup, as well as finishing second in the league.
Ballack won his first Bundesliga title in 1998 when, following a move from Chemnitz FC, he helped Kaiserslautern become the first promoted side to win the league in their first season back in the top flight.
He was named German Footballer of the Year on three occasions and at international level represented Germany at Euro 2000, 2004 and 2008, and the 2002 and 2006 World Cups.
However, an injury suffered in the 2010 FA Cup final forced him to miss the following World Cup . Hope his new journey will lead him to the success. Please put your comments abot wonderful footballer
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