Ballack tribute ruled out

Germany team manager Oliver Bierhoff has rejected calls to stage a farewell friendly for the retired Michael Ballack.

The 36-year-old hung up his boots after a stellar career in which he picked up 98 caps for his country, scoring 42 goals, and helped the team to reach the final of both the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2008.

The midfielder’s club career saw him turn out for Kaiserslautern, Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich and Chelsea, winning four Bundesliga titles and a Premier League trophy, as well as numerous cups.

Ballack was offered two international matches in 2011 to take his tally to 100 caps, one of them was to be against Brazil, but at the time the midfielder vehemently refused the offer, after being ousted from the squad following the 2010 World Cup.

And former Germany forward Bierhoff believes Ballack has now missed his opportunity.

“I personally believe that the time for a farewell match is over,” the 44-year-old told Express.de.

“First, we have few available dates (in the calendar). So, I see no chance.”

Germany take on Sweden in World Cup qualifying on Tuesday.