Dirty TackleMichael Ballack to hold a farewell match for himself with Jose Mourinho confirmed to appear
It's been five months since former Germany captain Michael Ballack announced his retirement, so he apparently figured it was about time he scheduled a farewell match for himself. On June 5 in Leipzig, Ballack will let people give him a proper send-off with the help of already confirmed guests Bastian Schweinsteiger, Ballack's former teammate at Bayern Munich, and Jose Mourinho, his manager at the start of his time at Chelsea. Plus whoever else agrees to appear between now and then.
From the AFP:
Under the slogan "Ciao Capitano. A world-class evening", Bayern Munich midfielder Schweinsteiger and Real Madrid coach Mourinho are already confirmed with a 'Ballack & Friends' team taking on a World XI.
"Of course I want to play a bit in both teams, but my fitness levels will decide that," said Ballack, who turned down an invitation from the German Football Association to win his 99th cap in the 3-2 friendly against Brazil in August 2011.
Germany coach Joachim Loew has been invited to Ballack's farewell and his former captain hopes he will be there. "I had a successful time with Loew in the national team, even if there was tension at the end," admitted Ballack.
The invitation for Loew is an interesting one because Ballack has publicly stated his belief that the Germany manager and Philipp Lahm conspired to force him out national team captain. In fact, this might all be an elaborate ruse to lure Loew in so Ballack can exact his final revenge. And that is totally something Jose Mourinho would turn up for.
