Ballack hits out at critics

The German international has not made many friends with his style of play during the past few seasons in Die Bundesliga and has taken the brunt of criticism on many fronts.

The German press has been quoted as calling Ballack an 'irritant' and German legend Lothar Matthaus fuelled the fire, saying last year: "He has achieved nothing so far. He must work harder."

But the 25-year-old, whose hat-trick in the World Cup play-off second leg against Ukraine booked his country's ticket to Korea and Japan, shrugged off his critics by saying that his self-confident style was simply a part of his character.

He said: "I can't help it. I was just born with that style. I've always been criticised but I can live with it.

"I've played well before but the difference now is that I'm confident."

That confidence has turned into consistency this season and has started to silence his detractors.

Leverkusen are very much alive in Europe, when they managed a 1-1 draw at home to Arsenal in the Champions League and their form in Die Bundesliga this season has seen the club go top by a single point over Borussia Dortmund, after hammering their league rivals 4-0 on Sunday.

However, it was qualification to the World Cup that was the most significant result this season for Ballack.

He added: "There was enormous pressure on us to qualify for the finals.

"The disappointment would have been massive if we hadn't made it. It's great to be there.

"But we mustn't sit back. We must aim to improve higher."

Ballack has had his share of problems over the last few seasons in Germany.

From fall-outs with boss Otto Rehhagel when he was at Kaiserslautern to the infamous own-goal he scored on the last day of the 1999-2000 season that dashed Leverkusen's hopes of winning Die Bundesliga title to more fall-outs with former boss and current Scotland manager Berti Vogts last season.

However, current Leverkusen manager Klaus Toppmoller has been able to get the most of Ballack this season, with suitors such as Real Madrid and Barcelona looking to reel him in.

Yet, the proud German looks more likely to move to Bayern Munich next season.

Ballack made his feelings known on playing in Germany, adding: "I love Germany, I love playing here.

"There was never a question of me leaving."