Hoeness: Ballack should focus on club

Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness has advised Michael Ballack to shelve plans to make a comeback to the Germany national team after the World Cup.

Ballack has been ruled out of the South Africa tournament due to an ankle injury and Hoeness believes that is a sign the Chelsea midfielder should bring his international career to an end at the age of 33.

“As a friend, I would recommend Michael to concentrate solely on his club after the World Cup,” he told Sport Bild magazine.

“I don’t think it would be clever to set the European Championships in 2012 as a goal.

“Even if it is bitter, you have got to be able to realise when the time has come to say enough is enough.”

Philipp Lahm will lead Germany out in South Africa after inheriting Ballack’s captain’s armband.