Ballack retires from football

Ballack is a legend in Germany. Credit: PA

Former Germany captain Michael Ballack, 36, has announced his retirement from professional football.

The midfielder had a successful career in which he won Bundesliga titles with Bayern Munich, the Premier League with Chelsea and captained his country to a World Cup semi-final on home soil.

Ballack won the Premier League at Chelsea. Credit: PA

Ballack had a great scoring record for his country playing 98 times, scoring 42 goals, he also led Bayer Leverkusen to the Champions League final in 2001 - eventually losing to Real Madrid.

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