Ballack's Germany career over
Germany coach calls time on former skipper's international career
Last Updated: June 16, 2011 11:05am
Michael Ballack no longer figures in Joachim Low's plans for the Germany national team, the coach has confirmed.
Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Ballack has not played for Germany since March 2010, with injury ruling him out of last summer's World Cup.
His absence at that tournament allowed some of Germany's promising younger players to make an impact, with the side finishing third in South Africa.
Low's men have since gone on to open up a 10-point lead at the top of their Euro 2012 qualification group.
TalksThe coach has always said Ballack will need to win back his spot in the national side, but the former captain has struggled to tie down a regular first-team place at Leverkusen since arriving from Chelsea last summer.
And following recent talks between Low and Ballack, Germany's national football federation has confirmed the 34-year-old's international career is over.
"Michael Ballack will no longer be a part of the German national squad," the DfB said in a statement.
Low added: "The last few months have shown that many young players have stepped into the spotlight and have good prospects.
"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."
Ballack has won 98 caps for Germany since making his international debut in April 1999, scoring 42 goals.
A gifted leader on the pitch who failed, however, to win a major trophy with Germany, Ballack has been offered to bid farewell against Brazil in a friendly in August.
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