Ballack confirms farewell game
Ex-Germany captain Michael Ballack confirmed Thursday he will hold a farewell game in Leipzig on June 5 with a host of stars set to attend, including Bastian Schweinsteiger and Jose Mourinho. Ballack, 36, who retired last October, made the last of his 98 appearances for Germany in February 2010. He captained his country to third at the 2006 World Cup and spent four years at Chelsea from 2006 until 2010. Under the slogan "Ciao Capitano. A world-class evening", Bayern Munich midfielder Schweinsteiger and Real Madrid coach Mourinho are already confirmed with a 'Ballack & Friends' team taking on a World XI. "Of course I want to play a bit in both teams, but my fitness levels will decide that," said Ballack, who turned down an invitation from the German Football Association (DFB) to win his 99th cap in the 3-2 friendly against Brazil in August 2011. Germany coach Joachim Loew has been invited to Ballack's farewell and his former captain hopes he will be there. "I had a successful time with Loew in the national team, even if there was tension at the end," admitted Ballack, who had a public falling out with Loew in October 2008.
