Michael Ballack has refused to discuss his international future, despite calls for his retirement.
Injured skipper refuses to talk about Germany future
Injured Germany captain Michael Ballack has refused to discuss his international future, despite calls for his retirement.
The 32-year-old was sidelined for the World Cup with an ankle injury but the Germans have flourished in his absence, advancing to the semi-finals where they will take on Spain on Wednesday.
Former Germany star Lothar Matthaeus has urged Ballack to step down from the international stage, while replacement skipper Philipp Lahm has expressed his desire to retain the captain's armband after the South Africa tournament.
But midfielder Ballack, who will play for Bayer Leverkusen next season after departing Chelsea, has declined to comment on the issue.
"I don't want to talk about this subject," Ballack told
Essentiel's website.
Support
Ballack instead preferred to voice his support for Germany, insisting they have every chance of reaching the final on Sunday.
"Everyone is playing well, they go into the semi-final with a lot of confidence," he said.
"They have beaten two good teams (England by 4-1 and Argentina 4-0) by playing great football. We have a great chance against Spain and the team is full of confidence."
