Ballack to consider international future

Germany’s Michael Ballack will consider his international future after next summer’s 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa.

The Chelsea attacking midfielder, 33 in three weeks’ time, has been the key player for his country for several years.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s friendly with South Africa in Leverkusen, he said: “I will decide after the World Cup in 2010 if I carry on or stop.

“This will be a new situation for me that I need to think carefully about. In any case, I’ll play as long as it gives me pleasure and I have ambition.”

Ballack’s admission is unlikely to come as a surprise to Germany coach Joachim Low, whose side continue to hone their preparation for their remaining qualifiers with a game against Bafana Bafana at the weekend.

The match comes four days ahead of a Group 4 qualifier against Azerbaijan in Hannover.

The crucial games in the pool are in October, when Germany travel to second-placed Russia before hosting third-placed Finland.