Official: Ballack retires from football

The former Bayern Munich and
Chelsea man has decided to hang
up his boots and end his illustrious
career after almost two decades as
a professional
Former Germany and Bayern Munich
captain Michael Ballack has
announced his retirement from the
game at the age of 36.
The midfielder, who represented four
different sides in the Champions
League and appeared in 98 games for
Die Mannschaft , has decided to end
his career after he was released by
Bayer Leverkusen earlier this year.
Ballack announced his decision via a
news statement from his lawyer, in
which he thanks everyone who
supported him during his time as
footballer.
"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," he
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."
"It's been a privilege to work with
excellent coaches and players. I will
surely miss to play in front of 80.000
fans or score a goal. The last months
without active football did reveal that
it's about time to quit," he later told
Kicker.
"I have to thank my family and all the
wonderful people who accompanied,
backed and advanced me. All of them
have a huge stake in my success."
Ballack, who is largely considered one
of Germany's greatest ever
midfielders, retires from football
having never won an international
tournament, and having lost two
Champions League finals.
Nevertheless, the 36-year-old will look
back fondly on the four Bundesliga
titles, three DFB-Pokals, one Premier
League title, three FA Cups an a
League Cup he won during his time
with Kaiserslautern, Leverkusen,
Bayern Munich and Chelsea amongst
others.