by ‘Ifreke Inyang

Former Bayern Munich and Chelsea midfielder, Michael Ballack, has announced his retirement from football. The former German international, confirmed his decision, via a statement from his lawyers, in which he thanked everyone who was a part of his career.

“At 36 years old I can look back on a long and wonderful time in professional football, which I could never have dreamed of as a child,” he said.

“It was a privilege to work with world-class coaches and fantastic players. Now I am looking forward to a new chapter in my life.”

During his career, Ballack made 98 appearances for the German national team and played with four different teams in the Champions League. He was released earlier this year by Bayer Leverkusen, the club where he first come into prominence.

“It’s been a privilege to work with excellent coaches and players. I will surely miss to play in front of 80.000 fans or score a goal. The last months without active football did reveal that it’s about time to quit,” he later told Kicker.

“I have to thank my family and all the wonderful people who accompanied, backed and advanced me. All of them have a huge stake in my success.”