Germany boss Joachim Low has announced that Michael Ballack will remain his captain.
Chelsea midfielder clears the air with Low
Germany coach Joachim Low has announced that Michael Ballack will remain his captain after holding clear-the-air talks with the Chelsea midfielder.
Ballack travelled to Frankfurt to meet with his international manager after recently making controversial comments about the Germany team.
But the pair have now settled their differences and Ballack will continue to wear the skipper's armband.
Low said in a statement: "I am delighted that an excellent national team player who has played a major part in our success over the last few years is still available for selection and will continue to help us in achieving the goals we have set on the way to the 2010 World Cup.
"Michael Ballack remains my captain.
Important
"It was important that we were very open with this discussion. Even as captain, he must understand he has to abide by the rules.
"He knows he can talk to me about anything, keeping it internal. But all sporting and personnel decisions are made by the coaching team and I have made this unmistakably clear to Michael."
Ballack received permission from his club to fly in and out of Germany on Thursday for the discussions, and, after the meeting, he has reiterated it was a mistake to criticise Low.
"I realised it was not right to go public and I also regret the impression was created that I wanted to criticise Joachim Low in his position as Germany coach personally," said Ballack.
"I have apologised to Joachim Low for that. He is the Germany coach and he takes the decisions and we all have to accept that.
"I have no doubt that, after this discussion with Joachim Low, we can realise our goals with the national team in a good atmosphere."
