Heinrich in hot water with German media

The German media have accused veteran defender Jorg Heinrich of "chickening out" of the World Cup.

Instead of jetting off to the Far East to do battle for the greater glory of the homeland, Heinrich is reported to have switched off his mobile phone and gone to Italy for a holiday.

The 32-year-old dropped his bombshell late on Monday when he rang Germany coach Rudi Voller and asking to be left out of the squad because he was not fit enough.

The nation's sceptical media, however, are not convinced.

The Bild newspaper was furious with the Borussia Dortmund star, whose versatility could have proved invaluable to a harassed Voller, already struggling to cope with the recent withdrawals of Christian Worns, Sebastian Deisler and Jens Nowotny.

"This is unique in the history of German football," declared Bild.

"Never before has an international player chickened out and ruled himself out of a squad."

However Mehmet Scholl last month ruled himself out of the competition through lack of fitness, although the German media were less critical of the Bayern Munich player.

Heinrich said earlier this week he had considered his decision long and hard.

"I informed Rudi Voller that I don't feel fit enough for the World Cup and asked him to drop me from the roster," explained the 31-year-old, who tore an ankle tendon last October and suffered three ligament tears after his comeback.

"In this shape, I would be no help whatsoever to the German team."

Voller was disappointed that Heinrich, who has been replaced in the 23-man squad by Schalke's Jorg Bohme, was not prepared to allow more time to build up his fitness.

"I have to accept this decision although I am confident that he would have made it," Voller told Bild.

"But his performances in the last few games have not been great and I appreciate that Heinrich has been honest."

Bild reported that Heinrich had managed to give the media the slip.

"It seems that Heinrich expected the fuss his last minute withdrawal caused," the daily stated.

"He switched off his mobile phone and disappeared to Italy on holiday."

Suddeutsche Zeitung was equally dismissive, accusing Heinrich of "throwing in the towel".

But another paper, the Kolner-Stadt Anzeiger, attempted to inject some humour into the affair.

"Heinrich's decision has led to a first for the German Football Association," it said.

"Never before has a national team player shown himself the red card a day before the departure to a major tournament."