Ballack's international career at an end

The German Football Federation today announced former captain Michael Ballack would no longer be considered for international duty.

Ballack, 34, has won 98 caps for his country but has not played for Joachim Low’s side since before last summer’s World Cup, a tournament he missed with an ankle injury.

Germany impressed in South Africa with a new generation of young players taking the nation to a third-placed finish.

And with Ballack failing to make an impact following his move back to Bayer Leverkusen, the Federation (DFB) have decided to end months of speculation by stating he will no longer be selected for competitive action.

Low said: “Over the last few months, many young players have come into focus and the development of the team has run smoothly since the 2010 World Cup.

“We have discussed the issue of Michael Ballack several times, most recently in late March 2011, and it has come to a stage to make a clear decision.

“In our conversations, I had the impression that Michael had some sympathy for our view.”