Ballack relishing Euro challenge

Midfielder recovered from Champions League disappointment

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 26th May 2008

Ballack relishing Euro challenge

Ballack: Ready for tournament to start

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Germany captain Michael Ballack is looking forward to the start of Euro 2008 after shrugging off the disappointment of losing in the UEFA Champions League final.

Ballack was a member of the Chelsea side beaten on penalties by Manchester United in Moscow last Wednesday.

He has since joined up with his international team-mates ahead of a friendly against Belarus and insists he is ready for the challenge of trying to lead Germany to glory.

"I am delighted to be back among the squad, I am really impatient for the tournament to begin," said Ballack, who has scored 35 goals in 79 matches for Germany.

"I have had several days to get it (the Champions League defeat) out of my system.

"But now, I begin again and its full steam ahead."

Ballack is expected to play for between half-an-hour and 45 minutes against Belarus in Germany's penultimate warm-up game.